Since the Mayor took office at least 28 people have died under the custody of the Department of Corrections. To make matters worse, Mayor Adams has abandoned the city's plan to shut down the insidious Rikers Island jail complex. Earlier this month the Manhattan Federal Prosecutor, Damian Williams submitted a court filing asking Federal Judge Swain to take away control of Rikers from Mayor Adam's in order to improve conditions for incarcerated people. He said that Correction Officers “use force against incarcerated people at an extraordinarily high rate, often utilizing high impact force and head strikes.” 

What remains clear is that Adams is unwilling to improve conditions at Rikers or hold the DOC accountable. That is why until the Mayor shuts down Rikers, the federal courts must appoint a receiver to take over and improve conditions for detained or employed people. 

Please join us for our Shut Rikers action on Thursday, December 14th. We're gathering at 1 pm at Foley Square. we'll hold a rally to make clear that until Rikers is shut down, the courts must appoint a receiver to save lives.

If you have any questions please reach out to our organizer Melanie at (516) 588- 0127