Before Rhamell Burke allegedly threw Ross Falzone down subway steps, killing him in a shocking random attack, he allegedly assaulted three Port Authority police officers. Here, Frank Conti, president of the 1,800-member Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, writes that, far too often, criminals and the violently mentally ill are let free in New York:
Ross Falzone was a man who spent a career dedicated to New Yorkers as a schoolteacher. As a 76-year-old retiree he was enjoying his later years, and all New York City had to offer.
That was until last Thursday, when instead of New York City thanking Ross, it failed him.
The killing of Ross Falzone may have never happened if his alleged killer, Rhamell Burke, was kept in custody after his arrest on Feb. 2 for assaulting three Port Authority police officers.
In that case, the police did what the public expects, arresting a violent criminal suspect. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office also did what the public expects, charging the suspect with four felonies and four misdemeanors.
Yet, during Burke’s initial court appearance, according to New York Criminal Court records, he was released with “non-monetary conditions” on his own recognizance.
A release that allowed him to roam freely on New York City streets and allegedly commit a series of crimes, behavior that may have eventually led to the killing of Ross Falzone.
Mam outrage too late
It has been reported that approximately six hours prior to the killing of Ross Falzone, Burke was brought to Bellevue Hospital as an emotionally disturbed person only to be discharged one hour later. That decision left Ross Falzone only five hours to live.
Mayor Mamdani said he was, “horrified by the killing of Ross Falzone and the circumstances that led to it,” and directed the NYC Health & Hospitals to conduct an investigation of Bellevue’s discharge of Burke.
Of course, an investigation is warranted, but why did the mayor not show the outrage millions of New Yorkers felt and question why Rhamell was allowed by a failed system that coddles criminals to remain on the streets after assaulting three cops and a series of other crimes and arrests?
Why did the mayor not demand an investigation into those circumstances?
In the mayor’s announcement directing the hospital investigation he said, “New Yorkers deserve answers.”
Yes, Mr. Mayor, and Ross Falzone deserved better.
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