A prominent Democratic congressman from the Bronx has unleashed scathing criticism against New York's leadership following a series of deadly attacks in Manhattan.
According to Fox News, Representative Ritchie Torres has demanded the firing of Department of Correction officials after Ramon Rivera, an early-released inmate with mental health issues, allegedly murdered three people in a violent stabbing spree.
The incident has intensified debate about criminal justice reforms and public safety in New York City. In a striking rebuke, Torres branded Governor Hochul as "the new Joe Biden," suggesting she should step aside if Democrats want to maintain their grip on power.
He directed his criticism at Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, highlighting what he called "layers upon layers of government failure." The congressman's response came after Rivera, a man with eight prior criminal convictions, carried out the attacks shortly after his early release.
Torres specifically targeted the Department of Correction (DOC) for their decision to release Rivera four months early despite his concerning behavior while in custody. The release was granted on the grounds of "good behavior," even though Rivera had previously attacked a correction officer during his stay at Bellevue Hospital's psychiatric ward.
In a fiery letter to both Hochul and Adams, Torres wrote:
The bureaucrat in DOC who authorized the early release of Ramon should be fired. Those who cannot be entrusted with public safety should no longer be employed by the people of New York.
The situation has exposed significant gaps in the city's handling of individuals with both criminal records and mental health issues. Torres argued that the current system fails to properly address these complex cases while compromising public safety.
Torres emphasized that Hochul appears to be in denial about her political vulnerabilities, noting that she has become less popular in New York than Donald Trump. His comments highlight growing frustration with Democratic leadership at both state and national levels.
Mayor Adams has aligned with Torres's concerns, calling on Albany to give city police greater authority to institutionalize people during a recent news briefing. The mayor's stance reflects growing frustration with current limitations on law enforcement's ability to address mental health crises.
The congressman highlighted the systemic nature of the problem, stating:
These tragedies are preventable but neither the city nor the state seem to possess the political will to prevent them, despite having the tools to do so.
The triple homicide has occurred amid a series of other violent incidents in the city. Two tourists were recently stabbed in random attacks - a 55-year-old from Denmark on the Upper West Side and a 42-year-old Italian visitor who suffered hand injuries. These incidents have further heightened concerns about public safety in New York.
Torres, known for his moderate stance, has consistently opposed what he terms "ivory-towered nonsense" from his party's left wing. His criticism extends beyond crime policies to include responses to pro-Hamas protesters and other controversial issues that he believes have hurt Democrats politically.
The Manhattan triple homicide has become a pivotal moment in New York City's ongoing struggle with criminal justice reform and public safety. Representative Torres's demand for accountability, coupled with his sharp criticism of Governor Hochul as "the new Joe Biden," has brought renewed attention to the state's approach to violent offenders and mental health issues.
