Malliotakis: Subway Murder Was Preventable; NY's Refusal To Fix Bail Law To Blame

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following statement regarding the arrest of Andrew Abdullah, the individual suspected of murdering an innocent civilian on the Manhattan-bound Q train on Sunday morning. According to reports, Abdullah - a known gang member who has been arrested 19 times over the past decade - was out on bail at the time of Sunday's shooting.

"This violent gang banger with an extensive criminal history is the latest example of someone who shouldn't be free to roam our streets, and yet because of the policies put in place by our state's governor and legislature, an innocent man has been randomly killed. This shooting is absolutely tragic, senseless, and sadly, it was 100 percent preventable. The elected officials who continue to support the radical pro-criminal policies that are leading to the murder, assault, robbery, or stabbing of innocent New Yorkers have blood on their hands. How many people will have to become victims of violent crime before state officials take action? By refusing to reverse these dangerous policies, New York's leaders are doing a tremendous disservice to those they've taken an oath to represent and protect."

A summary of Abdullah's charges is below:

• In 2017, Andrew Abdullah was arrested on an 83-count indictment from the Manhattan District Attorney for a slew of offenses, including eight shootings, slashings, gang assaults, gunpoint robberies, and weapons charges. He was sent to prison for a maximum of three years but was paroled in 2019.
• In January 2020, Abdullah was arrested in Manhattan for violating his parole by possessing a loaded gun but was released after posting a $100,000 bail.
• In March 2021, Abdullah was charged with domestic assault and endangering a child in Manhattan after punching a woman and slamming her against the wall while she was holding a baby.
• In April 2021, Abdullah was charged with stolen property and unauthorized use of a vehicle in Brooklyn.