Former Dem Gov in Hot Seat for ‘Complete Failure’ in ‘INSANE’ Early Release of Thousands of Inmates Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is under fire as hundreds of inmates released under his administration’s COVID-era agreement have been rearrested on new charges within two years. Republicans are labeling this a “complete failure” and highlighting specific cases of violent crimes committed by released individuals. Cooper’s campaign disputes the claims, arguing that he fought the releases and that similar actions were taken during the Trump administration.

• Hundreds of inmates released under Roy Cooper’s COVID-era agreement have been rearrested on new charges within two years.
• More than 560 inmates from a sample group of 1,180 were rearrested, with 48% facing new charges.
• Notable cases include inmates charged with murder and federal firearms offenses after early release.
• Republicans, including Senate candidate Michael Whatley, are criticizing Cooper, calling his actions a “complete failure” and “blood on his hands.”
• Cooper’s campaign dismisses the criticisms as “blatant lies” and points to legal battles against the releases and similar actions by the Trump administration.
• The mass release stemmed from a lawsuit settlement aimed at reducing prison populations during the pandemic, which included nonviolent offenders but also some convicted of violent crimes.
• Cooper’s campaign also attacked Michael Whatley’s record, highlighting the appointment of a convicted child sex predator to a party position.