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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Jonathan Lippman on the current state of Rikers Island
0:11:05
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35 sec
Jonathan Lippman, head of the Independent Rikers Commission, presents a scathing overview of the current state of Rikers Island. He describes it as a 'stain on the soul of our city' and an 'accelerator of human misery'.
- Rikers is characterized by rampant violence, with 62 deaths since February 2020.
- Staff are regularly assaulted, highlighting the dangerous conditions for both inmates and employees.
- The dire situation at Rikers necessitates its closure, according to the commission's unanimous report.
Jonathan Lippman
0:11:05
Madam chair, council members, last month, the commission unanimously issued its report and recommendations with the main takeaway being what we all know that Rikers must close because it is a stain on the soul of our city.
0:11:26
It is an accelerator of human misery.
0:11:30
It is violence is rampant.
0:11:33
Sixty two people have died at Rikers since 02/2020.
0:11:38
Staff is regularly assaulted.