With increasing concern over subway safety, a new challenger has entered the race for Manhattan District Attorney.
According to the New York Post, Civil litigator Patrick Timmins will compete against current DA Alvin Bragg this June in the Democratic primary, advocating for stricter crime measures.
Patrick Timmins, a former prosecutor from the Bronx, has voiced significant concerns about the surge in violent incidents on New York’s subway systems, such as platform pushing and slashing, which he describes as reaching unparalleled levels. Expanding on his platform, Timmins proposes stricter enforcement against fare evasion as part of a broader strategy to restore order and safety in public transit.
“No one’s getting a safe, comfortable, easy ride. We all know about the platform pushing, subway slashing, it's at historical levels," stated Timmins. According to Timmins, Alvin Bragg’s previous decisions not to prosecute fare evaders only exacerbate the problem. He argues that ignoring minor infractions like fare evasion can lead to more significant issues of law and order on the subways.
Timmins has openly criticized DA Bragg’s tenure, emphasizing several dropped self-defense cases that sparked public controversy. He specifically pointed to cases involving individuals like Jose Alba, Brian Chin, and Daniel Penny as evidence of Bragg's inconsistent approach to upholding public safety.
“I understand ‘what’s a fare evasion here and there,’ but when one person commits 20 of them, then maybe something should be done," Timmins remarked on the issue of recurring minor crimes.
Aside from cracking down on crime, Timmins also promises a compassionate take on criminal record management, pledging to expunge the records for those who have fully served their sentences for drug offenses and other non-violent crimes. “If you pay your debt to society, that should be forgotten,” he emphasized.
In response to Timmins’ charges, a spokesperson for Bragg’s campaign defended his record, citing a significant reduction in shootings by 45% under his watch. The campaign credits his approach of combining mental health initiatives with relentless advocacy for victims, which they argue effectively addresses the underlying issues contributing to crime.
The Bragg campaign spotlighted the broad endorsements from influential Democratic clubs and Congressmembers across Manhattan, showcasing strong local support for Bragg’s re-election campaign despite Timmins' accusations.
A recent, vividly tragic incident involved a Guatemalan migrant allegedly setting a subway rider on fire in Brooklyn, a case that has further stirred the ongoing debate around subway safety under Bragg's administration.
Although a newcomer in the political arena against a well-entrenched incumbent, Timmins acknowledges his challenges in fundraising and public recognition. Yet, he remains determined to address what he perceives as a crisis of safety and confidence amongst subway riders. Interestingly, Timmins fails to gather much support even from his political circle, The Broadway Democrats, who have shown overwhelming support for Bragg.
In the bigger picture of the DA race, there is also movement on the Republican front, with former Democrat Maud Maron seeking the GOP nomination, potentially adding another dynamic to the election discourse.
In his campaign against incumbent DA Alvin Bragg, Patrick Timmins sharply criticizes the current state of subway safety, linking it to broader public concerns about law enforcement and community well-being. As the primary election approaches, contrasting approaches to crime and punishment in Manhattan's subway system confront voters.
