Mayor Eric Adams addressed the responsibility the city holds for a recent stabbing spree that resulted in the deaths of three individuals. He emphasized the need for reform in the broken mental health system that failed to assist the mentally ill individual responsible for the attacks. Adams called for action from all levels of government to address the systemic failures that allowed the tragedy to occur.
While acknowledging the outrage over the early release of the perpetrator, Adams explained that technicalities led to his release, despite previous violent incidents. He highlighted the need for changes in policies and laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Adams also noted the importance of mental health care and residential options for individuals like the perpetrator, who may need ongoing support and monitoring. He expressed a willingness to explore new solutions to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
The mayor’s remarks came amid criticism from Rep. Ritchie Torres, who condemned the city’s handling of the situation and called for stricter policies regarding the release of mentally ill individuals. The debate over mental health care, public safety, and criminal justice continues as officials work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
If Ramon Rivera had served his full 12-month sentence instead of being released early, the three New Yorkers he murdered would still be alive.
However, Torres, a Democratic congressman representing a Bronx district, also criticized the federal government for a policy that excludes Medicaid funds from being used for mental health institutions.
“The federal government needs to unlock federal funding for inpatient psychiatric care,” he stated.
Adams mentioned reaching out to Torres regarding the congressman’s letter implicating the mayor and Gov. Kathy Hochul in the stabbing incident, but he had not received a response.
Torres mentioned receiving a message from someone named “Eric” asking him to call, but noted that he knows many people named Eric.
Later on Tuesday, Torres posted on X that he had a “productive” conversation with Mayor Eric Adams about Rivera’s case.
“I had a productive conversation with Mayor Eric Adams, who reassured me that the City is reexamining the ‘good behavior’ policy that led to the early release of Ramon Rivera,” the post stated.
“I fully support the Mayor’s efforts to build mental health institutions in the City. The shortage of inpatient psychiatric care has become too glaring to ignore.”
— Additional reporting by Joe Marino
