These New York State Prisoners Sue Over the Eclipse

Earlier this week it was reported that New York State prisons would be on lockdown during the Solar Eclipse, which is expected to pass over portions of the Empire State on Monday April 8, 2024. Now some of the prisoners are suing the State.

6 prisoners being held at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County are now suing the State of New York with the claim that the Solar Eclipse is a "religious event" and they should be allowed to watch.

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The plaintiffs include a Baptist, a Muslim, a Seventh-Day Adventist, two practitioners of Santeria and an atheist. These individuals are asking a judge to order the corrections department to retract the lockdown memo and provide eclipse glasses to all inmates who wish to view the eclipse.

The Guardian reports that the prisoners complaints states that “A solar eclipse is a rare, natural phenomenon with great religious significance to many,”.

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Criminon defines "lockdown" as a period of time when prisoners are restricted to their cells for 22 to 24 hours per day. Typically, during this time, prisoners would not have access to exercise or recreation and they would not be allowed visitors such as family, friends or lawyers.

In most cases a prison will be locked down due to a prison escape, a riot or perhaps even a violent act within the prison walls. These lockdowns are usually short-term situations.

New York Towns with the Longest Eclipse Totality on April 8

Where you watch the eclipse on April 8 will matter in New York. Some cities and towns will only enjoy the fabled "ring of fire" effect for less than a minute while others will enjoy the spectacular display for nearly four minutes!

Here's 20 "Eclipse Cities" that have the longest totality duration.

Gallery Credit: Megan

12 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- April 2024

Below are individuals wanted by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations who have been designated as its Most Wanted Fugitives. They should be considered armed and dangerous. This list is current as of 4/01/2024:

NEVER attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself. If you have information on the location of any of these fugitives, you can contact OSI 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to report it. All leads and tips are treated as confidential information.

If an immediate response is necessary, such as you see the wanted person at a location, please call “911” and report it to the police.

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)

Source: These New York Prisoners Aren’t Allowed to Watch the Solar Eclipse, Now They Are Suing the State