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A Rikers Island inmate convicted of gun murder was among those honored at a FIFA World Cup viewing party attended by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, court records reviewed by Fox News Digital show.
Thomas McCoy, 52, of Brooklyn, was among the inmates interviewed during a viewing party for the England-Argentina semifinal on Wednesday, telling The Associated Press that he had been incarcerated for 21 months and that it was the first time in a long time that he had enjoyed “real food.”
Queens County court records reviewed by Fox News Digital show McCoy was convicted of two counts of possession of a loaded firearm in May, as well as charges of drug abuse and possession of a controlled substance.
MAMDANI ATTACKS BAD BACKLASH FOR WORLD CUP STTUnt 'DRIVING' WITH RIKERS ISLAND PRISONERS
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to inmates at Rikers Island as they watch a World Cup semifinal soccer match Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
He is being held without bail following the decision and is expected to be sentenced on July 22.
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The World Cup watch party was one of 90 held at Rikers during the tournament. According to the mayor's office, about 4,500 of the 6,600 prison inmates participated as a reward for good behavior.
More than 100 inmates attended the England-Argentina semi-final on Wednesday, where Mamdani greeted the inmates and spoke to those in attendance.
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Rikers Island inmates watch the World Cup semi-final soccer match between England and Argentina, in a cell in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The video showed Mamdani greeting inmates and talking to attendees during the party.
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During the visit, the mayor said that those arrested are still “New Yorkers” and emphasized the importance of recognizing their humanity.
Another inmate interviewed by The Associated Press, Ralph Veal, is awaiting trial in Manhattan after pleading not guilty to multiple counts of possession of stolen property.
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Rikers Island inmate Victor Caldas, an Argentina fan, reacts during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina, in a cell in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photos/Seth Wenig)
In a press release about the city's plans for the World Cup, the Mayor's Office highlighted Rikers watch parties along with free festivals, discounted tickets, neighborhood watch parties and other tournament programs for New Yorkers.
“These are New Yorkers, and they will be New Yorkers when they get out of Rikers,” the mayor said. Corrections Commissioner Stanley Richards defended the program, saying, “Programs like this are equal security in our prison.”
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Earlier this year, Mamdani appointed ex-Rikers inmate Stanley Richards as corrections commissioner after pledging to overhaul the city's prison system.
The appointment comes as Rikers remains under federal control after a judge appointed an independent warden to oversee reforms amid years of violence, staff shortages and findings that city officials have failed to address unconstitutional conditions at the prison.
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Fox News Digital has submitted public records requests seeking the identities of inmates selected for World Cup viewing groups, the criteria used to determine eligibility and whether inmates charged or convicted of violent crimes are involved.
Fox News Digital also asked the Mayor's Office if Mamdani was briefed on the criminal history of the inmates there prior to his visit.
