New York City’s longest-serving Police Commissioner backs former federal prosecutor in race against Letitia James
Crime-fighting New York State attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy, who will lock up repeat offenders, build residential treatment for the homeless, and root out fraud, announced the endorsement of Former New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, adding one of the most prominent names in New York law enforcement to her growing coalition of supporters.
Kelly, who served as NYPD Commissioner under Mayors David Dinkins and Michael Bloomberg, is the longest-serving Police Commissioner in New York City history. During his tenure, he oversaw significant reductions in violent crime and transformed the NYPD’s counterterrorism capabilities following the September 11 attacks.
Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said:
“New Yorkers deserve an Attorney General who understands law enforcement, respects the men and women who put their lives on the line, and knows how to keep communities safe. Saritha Komatireddy has spent her career doing exactly that. As a federal prosecutor, she took on terrorists, drug cartels, and some of the most dangerous criminals in the world. She has the experience, judgment, and determination to lead the Attorney General’s Office and make public safety a priority. I’m proud to endorse her.”
Saritha Komatireddy said:
“Commissioner Kelly devoted his career to protecting New Yorkers and led the NYPD through some of the most challenging periods in our city’s history. He understands what it takes to fight crime, support law enforcement, and keep our communities safe. I’m honored to have his endorsement.
“As Attorney General, I will work closely with law enforcement across this state to reduce crime, homelessness, and fraud, and use the full authority of the office to protect New Yorkers. Public safety will be my first priority.”
Kelly’s endorsement comes as Komatireddy continues to emphasize the need to bring professionalism and a focus on public safety to the Attorney General’s office.
Ms. Komatireddy is an award-winning federal prosecutor who has put leaders of ISIS, al Qaeda, and the Sinaloa Drug Cartel in prison. She convicted Mexico’s most senior law enforcement official of working with the cartels to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. She also served her country as chief of staff to the 10,000-person U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. She also served as Counsel to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill investigation and cleanup program. Ms. Komatireddy, 42, a mother of four and a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, has worked for three U.S. Presidents, Democratic and Republican.