Leader Ortt, NY State Assemblyman Jensen and GOP Officials Call for Immediate Legislative Action on Bail and Public Safety in Wake of Fallen Rochester Cop, Attack on Zeldin, and Other Extreme Violence in State
Full Press Conference can be viewed: HERE
ROCHESTER, NY – New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt today was joined by Assemblyman Josh Jensen and fellow Republican officials to repeat calls for a special legislative session to address surging violent crime in communities across the state.
Earlier this week, two Rochester Police Officers were attacked in a shooting, tragically taking the life of a 29-year veteran of the force and injuring another officer. On the same day, Congressman Lee Zeldin was attacked on stage during a speech, in which the attacker held a sharp weapon. The attacker was taken into custody, charged with a felony, but immediately released with no bail.
“Albany’s ruling class was quick to call an ‘extraordinary session’ to attack the rights of law-abiding citizens. If these politicians actually care about New Yorkers’ safety, we should be back in Albany today for a special session to address violent criminals breaking our laws. In the past week, we’ve lost a police officer, and a Congressman was nearly assassinated by a violent man with a bladed instrument. If it wasn’t clear before, it should be now: bail reform and the pro-criminal policies of One Party Rule have made New Yorkers less safe. The time for talk has long passed us. The time for action is now,” said New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
“The number one job of the government is the protection of its citizens. For the past three years, New York State has failed in that job. In our community, and communities across the state, violent crime presents a clear and present danger to millions of New Yorkers. People are dying in our streets. Law enforcement. Children. If that does not show an emergency need to enact common sense legislation to end violent crime, I do not know what will. The violence in our communities needs to end today – the lives of our neighbors are in the balance,” said New York State Assemblyman Josh Jensen.
“This is not about politics. When you run for office, yes you run on a political line. When you are elected to office you represent everyone. Right now the people in office are not representing anyone because the number one issue in this community is violence. Enough is enough,” said Candidate for Congress La’Ron Singletary
“We’ve got to do better. Crime has taken over Rochester and Upstate New York. We have to crack down on dangerous criminals so our families, neighbors and communities can enjoy the fundamental right of life and liberty. Elections have consequences. I’m angry, I’m frustrated, I’m saddened and I’m determined. Violence will not change until we enact different policies. Different policies will not be established until we elect different leaders. That’s why I’m running to be the change we need to stop the violence,” said candidate for NYS Senate District 55 Len Morrell.
“Our community wants criminals off the streets. Politicians in Albany need to stop letting violent criminals out of jail early, and when they are on parole, we expect them to follow the rules or be sent back to jail. We are tired of criminals having more rights than law abiding citizens. We are tired of the bloodshed. We are tired of Albany ignoring victims. I’m running because I will not ignore the problem and I will continue to fight with my brothers and sisters in law enforcement and our communities,” candidate for NYS Senate District 56 James VanBrederode.
“Criminals do not fear the police. Criminals do not fear the criminal justice system. They know that if they get caught with an illegal gun, or shooting somebody, or stabbing somebody, or robbing somebody, they’re most likely going to be out the very next day. We’ve heard a lot from our Albany politicians calling for change – no one wants to hear empty promises anymore. It’s time to put up or shut up,” said Monroe County Legislator Paul Dondorfer.
Earlier this week, Leader Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay were the first legislative leaders to call for an immediate special session to repeal bail reform and restore public safety.
The Senate and Assembly Republican conferences have been a leading voice for calling for a repeal of the disastrous bail reform laws since they were first passed in 2019. At the beginning of this year’s legislative session, the conferences unveiled the “Restore Public Safety Agenda,” which called for:
Protecting Those Who Protect Us:
Invest in law enforcement;
Provide them with the support they need to make our communities safe and serve those in need; and
Fight Democrat efforts to “Defund the Police.”
Rejecting Dangerous “Reforms” like Cashless Bail:
End cashless bail, restore judicial discretion and reject proposals like “Clean Slate”;
Require state agencies to be transparent about the effects of public safety policies; and
Enact policies that get dangerous individuals off our streets.
Reforming the Broken Parole System:
Recenter the Parole process around the protection and rights of crime victims and their families;
Ensure that cop-killers, serial killers, child killers, and other dangerous murderers can NEVER be released; and
Reject dangerous Democrat proposals like “Elder Parole” and “Fair and Timely Parole.”
Passing a Victims’ Justice Agenda:
Strengthen penalties for violent and repeat offenders, as well as hate crimes;
Create and support more victims’ services and resources; and
Invest in proven mental health, addiction, and homeless programs.
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