Rikers can continue to be operated by NYC, judge rules

LOWER MANHATTAN (PIX11) -- In a move that took many observers by surprise, a federal judge ruled at the close of the court day on Thursday that Rikers Island can continue to operate as it has for the last seven years, with the City of New York handling its day to day operations, under the observation of a federal monitor. 

The city's Legal Aid Society had petitioned the court to have the federal government assume all operations of the nearly 6,000-person facility and have the city's Department of Correction no longer in charge. 

Legal Aid's argument had been supported by the city's comptroller, at least a quarter of the City Council, and the federal monitor. 

Demonstrators outside of the courthouse here had also called for a complete federal takeover or receivership. 

Judge Laura Taylor Swain, the chief judge of the federal court of the Southern District of New York, heard arguments all afternoon. Many observers had expected a ruling in the coming days. 

Instead, she concluded at the close of business to allow the city to continue operations.