Mamdani orders probe of Bellevue over man's release hours before Chelsea killing
Gothamist • • nation
Key Points:
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani has ordered an investigation into Bellevue Hospital's discharge of Rhamell Burke, who allegedly pushed a 76-year-old man down a Chelsea subway staircase, resulting in the man's death.
- The investigation will include a “root cause analysis” of Bellevue's psychiatric evaluation and discharge protocols, with the state Department of Health also conducting a review on-site.
- Burke was taken to Bellevue for a psychiatric evaluation after erratic behavior but was discharged about an hour later; he then allegedly committed the fatal attack hours afterward.
- Burke was arrested and charged with murder, while Bellevue Hospital expressed confidence that its care was appropriate and welcomed the investigation.
- The incident presents an early challenge for Mayor Mamdani, who campaigned on reforming public safety and mental health care systems in New York City.
