Mamdani's condolences for Rikers inmate Clarence Woodward spark outrage from murder victim's family
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a statement mourning the death of Clarence Woodward, a 41-year-old inmate awaiting trial for murder, at Rikers Island. Woodward was found unresponsive in his cell on August 25, 2026, marking the seventh in-custody death at the facility this year. The victim's family, who lost Jose Miranda to Woodward's alleged 2024 stabbing, condemned the mayor's remarks as a 'slap in the face.' DOC Commissioner Stanley Richards confirmed the death is under investigation, while Mamdani reiterated his commitment to closing Rikers Island by 2027.
