A Rikers Island inmate convicted by a jury on felony gun charges was among those rewarded with a FIFA World Cup watch party attended by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, court records reviewed by Fox News Digital show.Thomas McCoy, 52, of Brooklyn, was among the inmates interviewed during Wednesday's England-Argentina semifinal watch party, telling The Associated Press he had been incarcerated for 21 months and that it was the first time in a long while he had enjoyed "real food."Queens County court records reviewed by Fox News Digital show McCoy was found guilty in May of two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm, as well as misdemeanor counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a controlled substance.MAMDANI SPARKS FIERCE BACKLASH FOR WORLD CUP STUNT 'PALLING AROUND' WITH RIKERS ISLAND CONVICTSNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaking with inmates on Rikers Island while they watch a World Cup semifinal soccer match on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in New York.(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)He was remanded without bail following the verdict and is scheduled to be sentenced July 22.LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCASTThe World Cup watch party was one of roughly 90 held at Rikers during the tournament.
According to the mayor's office, about 4,500 of the jail's roughly 6,600 inmates participated as a reward for good behavior.More than 100 inmates attended Wednesday's England-Argentina semifinal viewing, where Mamdani greeted inmates and spoke with attendees.FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON XRikers Island inmates watch the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina, at the jail complex in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2026.(AP Photo / Seth Wenig)Video showed Mamdani greeting inmates and speaking with attendees during the watch party.SEND US A TIP?During the visit, the mayor said those incarcerated remain "New Yorkers" and emphasized the importance of recognizing their huma...