A Republican lawmaker in New York City is calling for a thorough review of the Manhattan District Attorney's office following a high-profile acquittal.
According to Fox News, New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino is urging the incoming Trump administration to launch a federal civil rights investigation into Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office, citing concerns over politically motivated prosecutions following Marine veteran Daniel Penny's acquittal.
The call for an investigation comes after Penny, 26, was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, during a subway incident. The prosecution had previously dropped a more serious second-degree manslaughter charge after jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision twice.
Paladino, who has been a vocal supporter of Penny since the beginning of the case, expressed strong criticism of the District Attorney's handling of the prosecution. She suggested that racial and political elements influenced the case's trajectory, pointing to what she perceives as a pattern in Bragg's office.
District Attorney Bragg responded to Monday's verdict with a formal statement acknowledging the jury's decision. He also addressed concerns about threats made against prosecutors and their families during the trial, characterizing such behavior as unacceptable.
The case has sparked significant controversy, with Black Lives Matter activists expressing outrage over the verdict and promising to organize protests in response.
Maud Maron, a Republican candidate running for Manhattan District Attorney, offered pointed criticism of Bragg's tenure in office. She highlighted his controversial policies, including his approach to certain criminal cases and prosecution guidelines.
Paladino told "Fox & Friends First" about her concerns regarding the jury's deliberation process. She said:
It's really simple. The Manhattan D.A. has made this racial. We have seen what A.G. Bragg has been capable of and has tried to pursue, and I think between Trump and now, this is the icing on the cake, with Penny… They make it a vendetta. He is definitely political. This is politicized, and I think he needs to be investigated. I think the whole DA's office in Manhattan needs to be investigated.
The district attorney defended his office's work through an official statement, emphasizing their respect for the jury process and verdict while praising the dedication of career prosecutors involved in the case.
Bragg's office has faced mounting criticism over its handling of various high-profile cases. The Penny trial has become a focal point for broader discussions about prosecution policies and political influence in the criminal justice system.
The case has drawn national attention and sparked debates about public safety, criminal justice reform, and the role of district attorneys in major metropolitan areas. Various legal experts and political figures have weighed in on the implications of the verdict.
The Marine veteran Daniel Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide charges on Monday, following a controversial trial that centered on a fatal subway chokehold incident. The case has prompted New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino to call for a federal civil rights investigation into Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office.
The outcome has intensified debates about prosecutorial discretion and political influence in the justice system, with various stakeholders including Black Lives Matter activists, Republican politicians, and legal experts weighing in on the implications of the verdict and its potential impact on future cases.
