Another Riker’s inmate passes away within a week
An inmate at Rikers Island passed away on Sunday morning, which is the second death reported at the facility in less than a week, according to officials. John Price, 49, who was reportedly the leader of a drug ring, was at the Eric M. Taylor Center when he alerted a guard around 5:40 p.m. on […]
Mamdani’s Visit to Rikers Demonstrated Compassion for Inmates, But Not for Their Victims
Zoran Mamdani hopes his recent visit to Rikers Island during Ramadan is seen as a gesture of compassion. He engaged with inmates, shared a photo on a prayer mat, and commended the “compassion, dignity and humanity” present in the prison environment. Yet, for crime victims, correctional officers, and those familiar with the prison system, these […]
NYC Mayor Mamdani shares Ramadan meal with Muslim inmates at Rikers Island
Mayor Mamdani Breaks Fast with Inmates at Rikers Island New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who observes Ramadan, chose to break a fast with Muslim inmates at Rikers Island, describing the experience as “one of the most meaningful nights” of his time in office. This visit marked Mamdani’s first as mayor, although he had previously […]
Rikers’ restaurant thief and more: Letters
Eating is not a crime It’s surprising, really, that Pei Chong, often dubbed the “Dinner and Dash diva,” is locked up on Rikers Island for, essentially, not paying for dinners. Her offenses are all non-violent, which makes it hard to understand why she’s there when I’ve read about violent offenders still roaming the streets. I […]
Pei Chung declines to exit Rikers once more after skipping out on a restaurant bill.
She’s not rushing to leave Rikers. On Wednesday, Pei Chong, who is accused of being a serial “Dinner and Dash” perpetrator, opted to stay in her Rikers Island cell instead of appearing in court in Brooklyn. This marks the second attempt she has made to skip her legal obligations. This time, Judge Jacob Zelmanowitz decided […]
Mamdani set to sign legislation preventing ICE from operating in Rikers or any correctional facility in NYC
New York City Moves to Ban ICE from Local Correctional Facilities New York City is set to prohibit ICE from operating in 19 correctional facilities within the city, including Rikers Island. Mayor Zoran Mamdani is anticipated to sign the Safeguarding Act soon, which would greatly enhance restrictions on collaboration between city and federal agents related […]
Federal judge appoints former CIA officer to oversee Rikers Island
New Leadership at Rikers Island A federal judge has appointed a former CIA officer to oversee operations at Rikers Island, shifting control away from city officials. Nicholas Demle, who previously directed the Vermont Department of Corrections, will step in as the facility’s new leader, addressing the ongoing challenges it faces. This decision came through an […]
How Mamdani can avoid the difficult period that Rikers Island now holds for him
Challenges Await Mayor Zoran Mamdani at Rikers Island Mayor Zoran Mamdani is stepping into a tough situation at Rikers Island, unlike his predecessors who may have hoped for a smoother path. He’s contending with the failed replacement plan initiated under de Blasio and is facing federal oversight on the horizon. According to city law, the […]
Zohran Mamdani’s directive to limit solitary confinement at Rikers Island in New York City
New York City Mayor Takes Charge of Prison Reform Mayor Zoran Mamdani has taken significant steps to address issues within New York City’s prison system, particularly following his predecessor’s actions regarding solitary confinement. His latest executive order directs prison officials to implement a 2024 city law designed to ban certain controversial practices. This law faced […]
14th inmate passes away at Rikers: ‘Completely failing’
In-Custody Death at Rikers Island In a troubling incident, a 32-year-old inmate at Rikers Island passed away early Sunday morning, marking the 14th death at the facility this year, according to officials from the Department of Corrections. Aramis Firth was found in poor condition at the Otis Bantam Correctional Center around 2 a.m. He was […]