FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Contact: Yonah Zeitz, yonah@katalcenter.org | (347) 201-2769
Follow on Twitter @KatalCenter | #CutShutInvestNY
Another Person Dies at Rikers– 2nd Death Within 24 Hours
With Rikers Out of Control, Mayor Must Cut Jail Population, Shut Rikers, and Invest In Real Safety: Housing, Health Care, Education, Jobs
New York, NY: This afternoon, the New York Times reported the death of yet another person at Rikers Island Jail Complex. This is the 2nd death of an incarcerated person in less than 24 hours. This year, 8 people have died in custody of the New York City Department of Correction. Last Year was among the deadliest on record at Rikers, and 2022 is on track to meet or exceed this grisly benchmark.
Statement from Yonah Zeitz, Director of Advocacy, Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice.
“Katal offers our deepest condolences to the family of the person who died in NYC DOC Custody. What is happening on Rikers is a humanitarian crisis and the deplorable conditions are leading to an unprecedented number of deaths. The horrific problems at Rikers aren’t new. The crisis is now well-worn into the fabric of the City’s life, and Mayor Adams seems content with the status quo. This is unconscionable and unacceptable. How many more people must needlessly die before the City takes serious, meaningful action to save lives? There are three clear steps the mayor must immediately take, all within the City’s authority: cut the number of people in NYC jails. Shut down Rikers. And invest in real community safety for all New Yorkers – housing, health care, education, jobs. Why is Mayor Adams delaying taking the necessary actions to save lives?”
###
