Exclusive: Inmate with weapon streamed on Facebook Live while inside Rikers Island

THE BRONX — A former Rikers Island inmate claims he was able to smuggle a cellphone into the jail then proceed to stream on Facebook Live from behind bars in what he said was his cell, according to a video obtained exclusively by PIX11 News that has been viewed more than 7,000 times on Facebook.

In the video, the former inmate shows off his jail cell, uniform and food. It's alarming and concerning to anyone who watches, and it's not over.

He then reaches down and unwraps what he describes to be a blade. Many inmates inside Rikers call it "the chop."

PIX11 has concealed the identity of the former inmate, who has since been released from Rikers Island and said he is speaking to us to highlight issues he has with the jail.

"The officers feel we have no say, no rights, no freedom of speech," the former inmate said.

Our conversation with him, however, happened a day after a correction officer was slashed in the face by another inmate. That guard needed five stitches, raising serious concerns about how this former inmate was able to have a blade.

PIX11: "Did a guard give it to you?"
Former Inmate: "No."
PIX11: "How did you get it?"
Former Inmate: "I made it myself."
PIX11: "Were you going to use it?"
Former Inmate: "Oh no, I wasn't going to use it. I can fight. I can fight very well. I can defend myself. " I wasn't going to use the blade."

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