Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to make a visit to the Sanaa Convenient Store in Harlem, Manhattan on Tuesday. The bodega gained notoriety two years ago when clerk Jose Alba fatally stabbed ex-con Austin Simon in an act of self-defense. Initially charged with murder, Alba’s case sparked widespread outrage until the charges were eventually dropped due to public pressure.
During his visit, Trump will meet with the store’s co-owner, Maad Ahmed, and small business advocate Francisco Marte. Ahmed expressed his support for Trump, citing the need for a strong leader to address the city’s safety concerns. He highlighted the ongoing issue of rampant crime in the area and intends to convey this message to the former president.
Marte, president of New York’s Bodega and Small Business Association, expressed gratitude for Trump’s support of small businesses and his stance on “law and order.” However, he clarified that his association does not endorse political candidates as a general rule.
The incident at the convenience store occurred in July 2022 when Austin Simon confronted Jose Alba over a dispute involving chips. Simon’s girlfriend, Tina Lee, stabbed Alba during the altercation, leading to Simon’s fatal stabbing. Alba was initially charged with second-degree murder but was released after a week in custody when prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to prove he was not justified in using deadly force.
Last year, Alba testified at a House Judiciary Committee hearing regarding Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s performance. The hearing focused on Bragg’s approach to crime, including his indictment of Trump on charges related to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Jury selection for Trump’s case began on Monday in Manhattan Supreme Court.
The store’s owner, Ahmed, acknowledged Trump’s ongoing legal proceedings but emphasized the unfortunate circumstances that can befall good people. In response, a spokesperson for Bragg stated that the Alba matter had been resolved nearly two years ago, with charges dismissed after a thorough investigation. The spokesperson also highlighted Bragg’s commitment to combating violent crime and the office’s collaboration with the NYPD to reduce overall crime rates in Manhattan.
