NEW YORK, NY — Republican candidate for New York State Attorney General Saritha Komatireddy slammed the bail laws of the state July 11, after federal authorities charged the suspect accused of carrying out a series of Molotov cocktail attacks targeting businesses and houses of worship in Brooklyn and Queens.
She criticized laws under incumbent AG Letitia James for releasing the suspect repeatedly.
“I am grateful to see that this terrorist was taken off the chessboard before he could kill anyone,” Komatireddy said, but added, “Let’s be very clear about what happened here: this attacker had two prior arrests for violent acts. He was released on cashless bail both times.”
On June 12, he allegedly threatened someone with a metal-knuckled knife. He was arrested, arraigned, and released. On June 16, he allegedly waved an ax at a man and threatened to cut his head off. He was arrested, arraigned, and released, Komatireddy contended.
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“That is what happens in New York under the catch-and-release bail laws that Letitia James continues to support. Violent offenders are released back into our communities, where they are free to terrorize innocent people. And that is exactly what happened here.”
According to federal prosecutors, the suspect later allegedly firebombed a Brooklyn smoke shop because, in his own words, ‘They’re Muslims.’ A few days later, he allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at churches and a business in Brooklyn and Queens. When he was arrested, authorities say he still had two more Molotov cocktails in his bag, Komatireddy noted.
She cited other cases similar cases, asserting, “These laws must change.” She said New York is the only state in the nation that prohibits judges from considering dangerousness when making most bail decisions.
“That is why violent offenders everyone knows are dangerous continue to be released again and again,” she said, adding, “As Attorney General, I will lead the effort to fix New York’s bail laws by restoring judicial discretion and allowing judges to consider whether a defendant poses a danger to the community.”
“New Yorkers deserve an Attorney General who will fight to keep violent criminals off our streets before they hurt someone—not after,” she added.