In a severe critique of the criminal justice system’s decisions, NYC Councilman Robert Holden has called for the resignation of Queens Criminal Court Judge Edward Daniels. This demand follows the shooting of a police officer and a bystander by a recently freed convict in Queens, raising questions about the judge’s decision-making processes.
On a violent Tuesday, Gary Worthy, a 57-year-old man previously on lifetime parole for serious offenses including firearms possession, murder, and robbery, engaged police in a shootout after committing armed robberies. The confrontation ended fatally for Worthy and left a New York Police officer and a civilian wounded.
Councilman Holden, representing Queens and a member of the Democratic Party, expressed dismay over Judge Daniels’ August decision to release Worthy without bail on fresh assault and burglary charges. According to Holden, this decision exhibited a “stunning lack of judgment.” Holden’s concerns, echoed in his statements provided to Fox News Digital, emphasized that denying detention for someone with Worthy’s violent history compromises public safety.
The incident occurred after officers responded to reports of the armed robberies in the Jamaica neighborhood. Police said that when confronted, Worthy fled, fired at the officers, injuring Officer Rich Wong in the thigh. Wong returned fire, fatally shooting Worthy. Both the injured officer and the 26-year-old female bystander, who was also shot in the leg, are expected to recover.
Mayor Eric Adams, who appointed Daniels to the bench earlier in April, has yet to respond to Holden’s call for the judge’s resignation. The incident has ignited a broader discussion on the effectiveness of the city’s handling of repeat offenders and the implications of judicial decisions on community safety.
Worthy’s criminal record included multiple recent arrests, with charges ranging from narcotics possession to involvement in gunpoint robberies earlier in the year. This latest incident marks another serious question about New York City’s management of paroled individuals with a history of violent crimes.
The NYPD and the Mayor’s office have been urged to review and possibly reform policies regarding bail decisions and parole supervision to prevent such incidents in the future. As the community reels from this event, the debate continues over how to balance judicial discretion, rehabilitation, and public safety in one of America’s largest cities.
