Brooklyn Borough President Adams calls for mental health reforms following arrest of man in connection to A line subway stabbings

Brooklyn and city officials gathered in Downtown Brooklyn Sunday to demand mental health reforms citywide in order to keep the public safe.

News 12 Staff

Feb 15, 2021, 2:59 AM

Updated 1,258 days ago

Share:

Brooklyn and city officials gathered in Downtown Brooklyn Sunday to demand mental health reforms citywide in order to keep the public safe.
Police had previously arrested 21-year-old Rigoberto Lopez in connection to the A line subway stabbings. Officials say he had psychological exams in the past along with four prior arrests.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams says these four attacks on the A train have a deeper rooted issue - that there needs to be immediate reform to keep riders safe and help those who need support.
Adams says the approach to handling subway crimes with people with mental illnesses is failing.
Brooklyn Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo says she was almost attacked on the subway by someone begging for money on Friday.
Adams laid out a 4-point plan to address the issues:
- Adams says trained mental health professionals need to conduct routine inspections with people with mental illnesses of subways.
- The need for better coordination between transit and street patrols.
- The 311 system needs to be fixed to add professionals who know how to tackle someone with a mental illness.
- Strengthen Kendra's Law, which provides court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment.
City officials say the last thing subway riders need is fear as the city is slowly starting to reopen.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American