MAYVILLE, NY – In response to the recent assault at Lakeview Correctional Facility, Paul M. Wendel Jr. issued the following statement:
“I am deeply disturbed by the brutal assault on a civilian counselor and several correction officers at Lakeview Correctional Facility in Brocton, NY. My thoughts are with the dedicated professionals who were injured while carrying out their duties.
As the County Executive of Chautauqua County, I am a proud supporter of law enforcement and the men and women who serve on the front lines every single day. It is time to ensure our correctional facilities are safe for the employees who protect our communities.
I stand with Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor in supporting their proposal to repeal the HALT Act. Since its enactment, assaults on officers, medical staff, and inmates have risen at an alarming rate. The HALT Act and similar policies have stripped correction officers of the critical tools they need to maintain order and have placed both staff and incarcerated individuals at risk.
This assault was completely avoidable. In March 2025, we called for the full repeal of the HALT Act after rising violence in our jails led to a statewide correction officers’ strike. One year later, the same issues persist. It is time to act to prevent further violence, ensure safety, and restore order in our correctional facilities.
I urge the Governor and State Legislature to repeal the HALT Act. We cannot continue to allow misguided, pro-criminal policies to fuel further violence in our facilities.”
-Paul M. Wendel Jr., Chautauqua County Executive
