Suffolk Republican Legislators Call on Governor to Suspend Failed Bail Reform Laws Amid Looting, Violence

Suffolk County Legislatures Republican Caucus are calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to suspend New York’s controversial bail reform laws.

“The failures of these bail reform policies have been tragically highlighted during the looting and violence that has gripped the entire state in recent day,” said Legislator Trotta. “The lawlessness and destruction that we are witnessing daily is being fueled by our state’s imprudent bail reform laws.”

Criminals who engage in these despicable activities are rightfully being arrested and charged only to be quickly released to continue terrorizing our communities. “

As we head into our sixth month of bail reform, there are still clearly issues with this state law,” added Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Selden). “We are calling for a suspension or repeal of the bail reform laws. Judges must have discretion to suspend bail to keep the rioters and looters behind bars. We cannot continue the catch and release policies brought forth by the Long Island six Democrat lawmakers in Albany.”

“Now, more than ever, with peaceful protests having been hijacked by rioters and looters, it is imperative that the current bail reform stop!”

“As an elected official, I am responsible to keep our hard-working citizens safe. This catch and release format does just the opposite,” said Legislator Steven Flotteron (R-West Islip).

“Violence undermines the basic tenets of a society. The job of an elected official, above all else is to protect the health and welfare of the citizenry,” proclaimed Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset). “Eliminate the bail reform and protect the people!”

Governor Cuomo has asserted repeatedly in his daily COVID-19 press conferences that thanking our frontline workers is nice, but the way to really thank them is to support them and to provide them with the means necessary to keep them safe. However, the bail reforms he has championed undermine this sentiment and betray his words.

“The fairness and justice these bail reforms claim to deliver has instead resulted in increased criminal activity that continues to place our dedicated police officers, firefighters, and medical first responders in greater danger,” said Legislator Piccirillo.

Legislator Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) added, “As the father of a member of the NYPD helping to protect people and property, it is very disturbing to know due so-called bail reform people arrested for looting are allowed to be let out of jail before the police are getting off their shift, this needs to end right now.”

Furthermore, as our citizens look to government to protect them, their families and their property during this chaotic time, we must respond with more than just words.

“During these times, we must protect the safety of all of our residents, business owners, and our law enforcement officials and first responders who are tasked with responding to the ever-increasing incidents throughout New York State, said Legislator Rudy Sunderman (R-Mastic). “I believe the suspension of bail reform would serve as a means to protect the individuals who are protecting our communities, as well as all of our residents and businesses.”

GOP Minority Leader Tom Cilmi (R-Bay Shore) added, "Without order there is chaos and anarchy. That is playing out every day in New York City thanks to the failed policies of Mayor DeBlasio and Governor Cuomo. You have to wonder how many of the looters would still be in jail awaiting trial for some other crime if not for the democrats misguided bail reform laws. If the Governor truly wants to stop the violence and protect New Yorkers, he should suspend bail reform immediately, and require those engaged in looting or violence to be held without bail until trial."

New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) echoed the sentiments of his colleagues in the Suffolk County Legislature, “I have been adamantly opposed to these bail reform laws from the start. Unfortunately, the tragic events of the past several days have illustrated the real human consequences associated with the passage of these so-called reforms. These laws must be suspended immediately.”