Search
Close this search box.

ADVISORY: Tuesday 12/13, 12:00 pm, City Hall Steps: Rally to Close Rikers

Share This Post

*MEDIA ADVISORY**

December 12, 2022

Contact: Yonah Zeitz – 347-201-2768 yonah@katalcenter.org, 

Follow online: #CutShutInvestNY #CloseRikers | @katalcenter

Tuesday 12/13, 12:00 pm, City Hall Steps: Ahead of the New York City Council Committee Hearing on Ongoing Crisis in City Jails, People Impacted by Rikers, Elected Officials and Community Groups to Rally

With Rikers in Chaos & Federal Takeover Looming, City Council Must Take Action to Reduce Harms and Hold Mayor Accountable to the City’s Closure Plan 

Last Night, the 19th Person Incarcerated in City Jails Passed Away this Year, The Most Since 2013 When the Jail Population Was Twice As Large

New York, NY – This Tuesday, December 13, at 1 PM the New York City Council Committee on Criminal Justice will hold a hearing on the crisis at Rikers Island. This hearing comes one day after the most recent death on Rikers – the 19th death this year. Prior to the hearing, on City Hall steps, people directly impacted by Rikers, family members, and community groups will hold a rally to demand Mayor Eric Adams close the island jail complex and for City Council to take action to hold the mayor accountable to the closure plan. 

At the hearing, the Adams Administration will argue that they have the situation at Rikers under control, which could not be further from the truth. Since Adams took office in January, 19 people have died in city jails. Violence on Rikers has increased to historic levels. DOC mismanagement has led to tens of thousands of missed medical appointments for incarcerated people. But instead of working to save lives and shut down Rikers, Mayor Adams makes daily calls to further roll back bail reform and incarcerate more people at Rikers. It is clear that Mayor Adams has no intention of closing Rikers. It is long overdue for the City Council to step in to reduce harm at Rikers and hold the Mayor accountable for shutting down the tortuous jail complex. 

Speakers at the action will share how they have been impacted by Rikers Island and call on Mayor Adams to shut down Rikers. 

WHAT: Rally at City Hall: Crisis at Rikers 

WHEN: Tuesday, December 13 at 12:00 p.m. (City Council hearing starts at 1:00)

WHERE: City Hall Steps (City Hall Park, New York, NY 10007) 

WHO: People Directly Impacted by Rikers, Elected Officals, Families, Community Organizations, and allies 

WATCH LIVE ON INSTAGRAM: @katalcenter

More To Explore