In an unprecedented move, New York Republican lawmakers are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to take action against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Their concern stems from a recent incident where a group of migrants assaulted New York Police Department officers near Times Square, highlighting what they perceive as leniency on Bragg's part that endangers public safety.
State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and 19 other Republican senators have formally requested Governor Kathy Hochul to intervene. Their letter criticizes DA Bragg following an unsettling occurrence where a group of migrants attacked NYPD officers outside a shelter in Times Square. This event, they argue, is indicative of a broader issue with Bragg's prosecutorial discretion.
A shocking video that captured the altercation shows migrants aggressively kicking the officers before fleeing the scene. Despite the arrests of seven individuals involved, six were subsequently released without bail under Bragg's directive, which has drawn severe backlash from the Republican lawmakers.
The letter from the Republicans does not mince words. It describes the handling of this case by DA Bragg as unconscionable, underscoring a perceived neglect for the safety of New Yorkers and respect for law enforcement. One particular suspect, Jhoan Boada, 22, epitomized the brazen attitude of those released, displaying no remorse as he left the courthouse, Yahoo reported.
From the letter: "Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s unconscionable handling of the recent attack on two NYPD officers by a gang of migrants outside a Times Square shelter must be the final straw. The public safety of New Yorkers is clearly at risk."
The incident which took place on January 27 around 8:30 p.m. on West 42nd Street has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about crime, punishment, and public safety in New York City. It also unfolds against a backdrop of increasingly strained resources and patience among city leaders and residents, as they navigate the challenges posed by a surge of migrants.
This plea from the Republican senators to Governor Hochul underscores a profound frustration with the current state of criminal justice in Manhattan. According to them, DA Bragg has consistently shown a reluctance to prosecute criminals rigorously, a stance they argue undermines the rule of law, encourages lawlessness, and places an undue burden on law enforcement and public safety.
Critics of DA Bragg insist his approach to this particular case is indicative of a broader trend of leniency that, in their view, has characterized his tenure. They argue this undermines the efforts of the NYPD and jeopardizes the safety of the citizens of New York.
As the letter concludes, the Republican senators make their stance unmistakably clear. They see the removal of DA Bragg from his position as an essential step toward restoring faith in the criminal justice system and ensuring the safety of New York residents.
This incident not only spotlights the immediate issue of handling violent offenders but also sparks a broader conversation about the balance between justice and public safety.
Republican lawmakers' call for Governor Hochul's intervention underscores their deep concern over what they perceive as a faltering criminal justice system under DA Bragg's leadership.
Amid these challenges, the safety of New York's citizens and the efficacy of its law enforcement remain paramount concerns.
