Verurteilter Waffendealer wartet auf seine Strafe. Er hat sich einen Platz bei der WM-Party mit Mamdani verdient.

A convicted gun felon awaiting sentencing was among the inmates invited to attend a FIFA World Cup watch party on Rikers Island, where New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined them to view the England-Argentina semifinal match. Thomas McCoy, 52, of Brooklyn, was among the participants interviewed during the event, sharing that he had spent 21 months in custody and described the experience as the first time in a long while he had enjoyed “real food.” Court records obtained by Fox News Digital reveal that McCoy was found guilty in May of two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm, along with misdemeanor charges related to drug paraphernalia and controlled substances. He was remanded without bail and is set to face sentencing on July 22. The World Cup watch party was part of a broader initiative by the city to provide recreational activities for inmates, with approximately 90 such events held during the tournament. Around 4,500 of the jail’s roughly 6,600 inmates were invited as a reward for good behavior. Over 100 inmates attended Wednesday’s England-Argentina match, during which Mamdani interacted with attendees, emphasizing their status as “New Yorkers” and underscoring the importance of acknowledging their humanity. Video footage captured the mayor greeting inmates and engaging in conversation throughout the event. Other inmates present included Ralph Veal, who is awaiting trial in Manhattan after pleading not guilty to multiple felony charges involving third-degree grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. The mayor’s office issued a statement highlighting the Rikers watch parties alongside other community-focused World Cup programs, including free fan festivals and discounted ticket offers. In a press release, Mamdani reiterated that those incarcerated would continue to be recognized as “New Yorkers” upon their release. Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards supported the initiative, stating that programs like these contribute to safety within the facility. Richards, a former Rikers inmate, was appointed earlier this year as the city’s correction commissioner by Mamdani, marking a significant shift in leadership aimed at overhauling the troubled jail system. His appointment followed a period during which Rikers remained under federal oversight due to ongoing issues such as violence, staffing shortages, and failures to address unconstitutional conditions within the facility. A federal judge had previously assigned an independent remediation manager to oversee necessary reforms. Fox News Digital has sought additional information regarding the selection process for inmates attending the World Cup events, including the criteria used to determine eligibility and whether individuals with violent felony convictions were included. The outlet also requested clarification on whether Mamdani was informed about the criminal backgrounds of those who participated prior to his visit. These inquiries aim to assess the transparency and appropriateness of the mayor’s involvement with the program. As the city continues its efforts to reform the Rikers Island prison system, the World Cup watch parties have sparked both support and criticism. While some argue that providing recreational opportunities benefits inmate morale and rehabilitation, others question the inclusion of individuals with serious criminal histories. The ongoing scrutiny reflects broader debates about the role of public figures in engaging with incarcerated populations and the ethical implications of such interactions. As the sentencing date for Thomas McCoy approaches, the controversy surrounding the event remains a focal point of discussion.