Supreme Court lets Andrew Cuomo off the hook for 'wrongful death' of COVID nursing home patients
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court decided on Monday not to reinstate a wrongful death lawsuit against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, which had been previously dismissed by lower courts. The lawsuit was related to Cuomo’s controversial COVID-19 nursing home policy.

In its list of orders released Monday, the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal filed by Daniel Arbeeny from Brooklyn. Arbeeny claimed that Cuomo’s nursing home policy was responsible for his father’s death in 2020.

“The Supreme Court’s decision doesn’t change the reality of what happened,” Arbeeny expressed to The Post, voicing his disappointment. “Nine thousand COVID-positive patients were placed in nursing homes, leading to tragic outcomes.”

Arbeeny accused the Cuomo administration of concealing the true death toll, stating, “The facts remain the same. The death toll is horrifying. It didn’t have to happen. The truth will emerge eventually.”

With Monday’s announcement, Arbeeny has no further avenues for appeal. The Supreme Court did not provide a rationale for its decision, which is customary in such cases.

“For six long years, families have endured the unimaginable loss of loved ones to COVID. It doesn’t become easier, especially when that pain is exploited for political purposes,” remarked Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi to The Post.

“Every investigation and every court to examine these claims has reached the same conclusion: there was no wrongdoing by Governor Cuomo or his administration,” he added. “Today, the Supreme Court joins that list.”

“The facts are settled and the highest court has spoken.”

The case had been dismissed by Eastern District of New York Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall in 2024, in a move that was later upheld by the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Both of the lower courts had determined that Cuomo, 68, was protected by qualified immunity, which gives government officials liability protections if they didn’t flout clear legal or constitutional principles.

Back in March 2020, Arbeeny’s father, Norman, an 89-year-old Korean War veteran, was in a nursing home. On March 25 of that year, Cuomo signed a directive ordering nursing homes to take patients who tested positive for the COVID-19 respiratory illness.

Cuomo’s team argued the move was needed to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by the pandemic and keep emergency facilities open for those who were seriously ill.

Ultimately, some 15,000 seniors died from COVID-19 in Empire State nursing homes.

Cuomo also faced controversy over his administration’s undercounting of nursing home-related COVID-19 deaths. A congressional report alleged that Cuomo was involved with lowballing the death count.

Daniel Arbeeny had filed a suit against Cuomo and members of his former administration in 2022. He was joined by other families in the suit.

Cuomo ultimately resigned from office before his term concluded in 2021, following a stunning New York Attorney General report alleging that he sexually harassed almost a dozen women during his time as governor.

The Cuomo scion then mounted a political comeback bid last year, seeking to become mayor of New York City, before losing both the Democratic primary and general election to Zohran Mamdani.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ICE detains man accused of sexually assaulting minor after hospital parking lot birth

ICE Detains Suspect in Hospital Parking Lot Birth Linked to Minor’s Sexual Assault

Immigration authorities have taken steps to detain a Mexican national facing allegations…
Curious black bear tranquilized by cops, topples out of tree after hours-long standoff in Albany

Albany Police Safely Capture Black Bear After Hours-Long Tree Standoff

Just like in a classic fairy tale, a black bear’s adventure in…
US military launches first-ever autonomous warfare command to deploy unmanned systems across Latin America

Revolutionizing Defense: US Military Unveils Autonomous Warfare Command for Latin America

The U.S. military is set to inaugurate a pioneering autonomous warfare command…
Will Xavier Becerra's past come back to haunt him in California governor's race?

Xavier Becerra’s Political History: A Game-Changer in the California Governor’s Race?

Xavier Becerra is now facing intense scrutiny, which could be the clearest…
DeSantis says he's taking up Jeffries' invitation to 'F around and find out' on Florida redistricting effort

DeSantis Accepts Jeffries’ Challenge: Florida Redistricting Battle Heats Up

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for…
Mamdani’s pick to fight antisemitism can't even define it

Controversial Appointment: Mamdani’s Antisemitism Advisor Struggles with Definition

The recent appointment by the Mamdani administration for the head of the…
Chicago Bears stadium news: Illinois lawmakers expected to vote Wednesday on bill

Illinois Legislators Scheduled to Cast Votes on Chicago Bears Stadium Bill This Wednesday

In a significant move for Illinois sports fans, state lawmakers are poised…
Nolte: Former WaPo Editor Marty Baron Finally Admits to Biden Decline Cover-Up

Ex-WaPo Editor Marty Baron Reveals Truth Behind Biden’s Decline Cover-Up

Marty Baron, the former executive editor of the Washington Post, has recently…
AOC's ice-cold snub of ex-staffer's campaign fuels rumors

AOC’s Cool Reception of Former Staffer’s Campaign Sparks Speculation

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offered a succinct reply when questioned about a former colleague’s…
Bruce Springsteen trashed by NJ paper over pricey anti-Trump concerts

New Jersey Newspaper Criticizes Bruce Springsteen for Expensive Concerts Opposing Trump

A New Jersey-based news platform has taken aim at rock icon Bruce…
Virginia redistricting vote results: Virginia election results include approval of plan that could help Democrats in 2026 midterms

Virginia Redistricting Vote: Approved Plan Poised to Benefit Democrats in 2026 Midterms

WASHINGTON — In a move that could enhance the Democratic Party’s prospects…
California's oil lifeline goes to war with Santa Barbara as it demands eye-popping nine-figure sum over pipeline madness

California’s Oil Industry Clashes with Santa Barbara, Seeking Substantial Nine-Figure Compensation Over Pipeline Dispute

Sable Offshore Corp, a prominent oil company in California, is embroiled in…