Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres has strongly criticized the administrations of Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing them of being complicit in the murders committed by serial stabber Ramon Rivera. Rivera, a 51-year-old homeless man with a lengthy criminal history, went on a stabbing spree in Manhattan, killing three individuals in broad daylight.
Torres contended that Rivera should never have been on the streets, as he had been released early from prison for “good behavior” despite assaulting a corrections officer.
Torres blasted the decision by the Department of Correction DOC to release Rivera after just nine months of a 12-month sentence, calling it “inexplicable and inexcusable.
He argued that had Rivera served his full sentence or been given consecutive terms, the victims might still be alive. Torres pointed to what he described as a failure in leadership, both at the city and state levels, in preventing such tragedies.
He demanded that those responsible for Rivera’s early release be fired, including the DOC bureaucrats involved in the decision.
Torres also criticized the lack of accountability from the City and State, asserting that they failed to take the necessary actions to prevent dangerous individuals from roaming the streets.
Torres has been a vocal proponent of public safety and criticized his own party’s liberal wing on issues like crime and law enforcement.
He stressed that the city and state should adopt policies to prevent the early release of individuals who are a danger to the public, particularly those who have assaulted law enforcement officers or committed crimes while in custody.
In response, City Hall acknowledged the disturbing nature of Rivera’s release and stated that an internal review is underway, with Mayor Adams having previously raised concerns about the revolving door of criminal releases.