Inmate starts fire at Rikers Island jail during Democrat lawmakers visit, injuring 15 staff members and 5 convicts
RIKERS ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY: An inmate started a fire at the Rikers Island jail, New York City’s controversial prison, injuring at least 20 people. The incident took place on the same day when lawmakers were visiting the jail compound, as per authorities. New York City Fire Department spokesperson said that 15 staff members and five inmates were injured in the fire that went off at 1.30 pm. The department was able to take the control of the situation within an hour and extinguish the blaze.
The fire department said that 15 injured people were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, but the remaining five refused to get medical attention. There is no update on the condition of the victims by Friday, April 7. “The health and safety of those who work and live in our facilities is our main priority. We take arson very seriously and will pursue re-arrest of the individual involved pending the outcome of the investigation,” James Boyd, the Correction Department’s deputy commissioner for public information, said in a statement, reported ABC News.
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'We will have blood on our hands'
The fire incident occurred on the day when a group of Democrat lawmakers was visiting Rikers Island. The purpose was to underscore their opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed changes to New York's bail laws. “We will have blood on our hands if we allow there to be these changes implemented in our New York state budget,” Assembly member Zohran Mamdani said. However, the state legislators didn’t visit the unit where the fire was set off and likely left before it was reported.
This is a developing story. MEAWW will keep you updated.
