Today our mental health system and justice system failed New Yorkers. A perpetrator who suffered from severe mental illness roamed through Manhattan and stabbed three innocent people at different locations, in random acts of violence. Two of those victims died – a 36-year-old construction worker and a 68-year-old man who was fishing. A third victim, a 36-year-old woman, is fighting for her life.
As your Comptroller, I will prioritize ending the systemic failures that led to today’s senseless tragedy. I am committed to a full and complete review of our mental health system, NYPD, and Courts, performing a deep dive that will identify gaps in services, policy, and coordination.
The alleged perpetrator reportedly resided at the Bellevue Men’s Shelter, a general population shelter not specialized for people with mental illness. He had 8 prior arrests, including one case still pending. The perpetrator interacted with multiple apparatuses of City government but was not in inpatient treatment. Were there warning signs that were missed? Was there appropriate coordination between government agencies to get the man the mental health care he needed? I am committed to a comprehensive review to answer these pressing questions and create a safer City for all.
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