Prison Advocates Demand Hochul Fire Corrections Chief Over Deaths

Activists accuse governor of hypocrisy for federal accountability demands while ignoring state prison violence

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Criminal justice advocates protested outside Governor Kathy Hochul's office, accusing her of hypocrisy for demanding federal accountability while ignoring deaths in New York state prisons. They called for the firing of Daniel Martuscello III, the commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and urged Hochul to fix the broken executive clemency process.

Why it matters

The protest highlights growing concerns about transparency and accountability in New York's prison system, with advocates pointing to hundreds of unexplained deaths in state custody. They argue Hochul is taking a tougher stance on federal law enforcement than on issues within the state's own corrections department.

The details

The coalition of advocates, including groups like the NYS Jails Justice Network and the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, tallied at least 264 deaths in state custody that have gone officially unexplained. They contrasted Hochul's stance on federal police violence with her record in Albany, questioning why she backs Corrections Commissioner Martuscello despite the high death toll under his watch. The advocates also linked the death toll to Hochul's clemency and parole policies, calling for the Clemency Justice Act to increase transparency.

  • Hochul called for the resignation of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in January following violence from ICE agents in Minnesota.
  • The protest in the Capitol's War Room took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who the advocates are accusing of hypocrisy for demanding federal accountability while ignoring deaths in state prisons.

Daniel Martuscello III

The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, whom the advocates are calling to be fired.

NYS Jails Justice Network

A coalition of criminal justice advocacy groups that organized the protest against Hochul and Martuscello.

Release Aging People in Prison Campaign

A criminal justice advocacy group that is part of the coalition protesting Hochul and Martuscello.

HALT Solitary Campaign

A criminal justice advocacy group that is part of the coalition protesting Hochul and Martuscello.

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What they’re saying

“Every day Martuscello remains in office is an endorsement of a corrections department that has proven it cannot be trusted with human life. Accountability means cleaning house in Albany.”

— Ericka Williams-Rodriguez, of the NYS Jails Justice Network

“Clemency should be transparent. It should be frequent and it should be inclusive.”

— Jose DiLenola, Clemency Campaign Director for RAPP

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.