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“A Humanitarian Crisis”: New York Officials Call Out Horrific Conditions at Rikers

HeadlineSep 15, 2021

In New York, more than a dozen elected officials visited Rikers Island earlier this week following repeated reports of the worsening conditions inside the jail complex, including skyrocketing violence, staff shortages and chronic medical neglect. At least 10 people have died at Rikers so far this year. Following Monday’s visit, New York Assemblymember Emily Gallagher tweeted, “What I witnessed was a humanitarian crisis. A horror house of abuse and neglect.” And this is New York Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas speaking Monday after touring Rikers.

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas: “People have been stuck inside for days, for weeks, for months without a court hearing, without being able to get transported to court, without medical care. … I just witnessed an attempted suicide. 'Miss, come here.' Jumped up there and tried to hang themselves. Me and Senator Ramos were right there. Nobody deserves this. These are human beings.”

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