FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19th, 2024

CONTACT: 
Emma Johnson
ejohnson@council.nyc.gov 
347-864-4925

NEW YORK – Following a string of murders that occurred in Manhattan on Monday, November 18th, Council Member Keith Powers released the following joint statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the horrific violence that took place in Manhattan yesterday. Three people were brutally murdered by a man in the throes of a mental health crisis. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the three victims of this sickening crime.

The suspect in the murders, Ramon Rivera, was well known to city agencies. He had been arrested previously on a number of charges, and was also hospitalized for severe mental illness. Not only was he detained involuntarily, he had a history of suicidal thoughts, and had called 911 in the past to ask for help. Despite all the evidence that Mr. Rivera desperately needed mental health services, he was instead released onto the street, and as a result three people are dead.

Mr. Rivera’s story is a damning indictment of the failures of the system in New York City. He could have been helped, and the murders yesterday could have been prevented, if he had received the medical treatment he needed. I am demanding a full investigation into Mr. Rivera’s case, and an answer to the question that New Yorkers are asking today: how could this happen? How could this man have been allowed to roam the streets freely, attacking people at will? My constituents deserve answers.

While the failures of this case are numerous, I do commend the New York Police Department, and Officer Robert Garvey in particular, for the outstanding police work that led to Mr. Rivera’s arrest. Officer Garvey showed immense bravery in his actions to protect the city, and I thank him for his work. I also applaud the bystander who witnessed a crime in process and alerted the authorities. The brave New Yorker who made Officer Garvey aware may have prevented further violence, and he deserves the city’s thanks.”

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