GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has vowed to restaff New York's parole board, directly blaming Gov. Kathy Hochul for recent violent crimes committed by a parolee. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, stated that the state parole board should not have released Jesus Acosta, who is accused of killing two men in a 48-hour robbery spree in New York City.
"I’m going to appoint people to the parole board who put safety first, who put community first, who care about public safety," Blakeman said Tuesday. He questioned the decision to release Acosta, who had served 10 years for felony assault, stating that the board did not adequately assess the individual.
Acosta is charged with stabbing MD Yousuf during a robbery at a Brooklyn pizza shop on August 23, then allegedly shooting and killing Tayvon Shuler, a customer, during a robbery at a bodega in the Bronx early Tuesday. Acosta was apprehended by police in a Bronx park and faces life in prison without parole if convicted of both murders.
Blakeman criticized the governor's policies, asserting they have made the state less safe. "How many families have to be hurt and torn apart before we get some sanity in our criminal justice system here in New York State?" he asked.
Blakeman also referenced the fatal stabbing of Bank of America executive Erin Piacenti and the wounding of a tourist in Times Square, which occurred on Monday, calling these incidents unacceptable. The suspect in the Times Square case was shot and killed by police.
If elected governor, Blakeman pledged to seek the resignation of all current parole board members and appoint individuals who prioritize community safety over the interests of criminals.