| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 11, 2026 Contact: Team Saritha Email: Press@ |
| Statement From Attorney General Candidate Saritha Komatireddy on New York’s Bail Laws Enabling Terrorism |
| NEW YORK, NY — Republican candidate for New York State Attorney General Saritha Komatireddy today released the following statement 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: “I am grateful to see that this terrorist was taken off the chessboard before he could kill anyone. 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. 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.’ Just 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. This is not an isolated case. Just months ago, four men accused of plotting to use Molotov cocktails to attack property in Suffolk County were also released under the same failed laws. These laws must change. 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 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. I also want to thank my former colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for stepping in where the state failed, bringing federal charges, and ensuring this dangerous offender remains behind bars. New Yorkers deserve an Attorney General who will fight to keep violent criminals off our streets before they hurt someone—not after.” |
| To learn more about Saritha Komatireddy’s campaign for New York Attorney General, visit SarithaForNewYork.com. |