New York Republican lawmakers are demanding the removal of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg after a group of migrants accused of assaulting two NYPD officers in Times Square were released without bail. State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and 19 other senators have called on Governor Kathy Hochul to take action against Bragg, citing this incident as the latest in a series of alleged failures by the district attorney.
Ortt criticized Bragg, accusing him of running a public defenders office instead of fulfilling his duties as a district attorney. The lawmakers argue that Bragg’s handling of the Times Square attack, where migrants were caught on camera assaulting two police officers, poses a significant risk to public safety. Several of the individuals involved in the attack were apprehended but subsequently released without bail. Some of them have reportedly fled to California.
Suffolk County Republican state Sen. Dean Murray emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that it is time for Bragg to be removed from office. Republicans have been critical of Bragg’s approach, alleging that he selectively enforces laws and chooses which criminals to pursue.
While New York’s bail laws have faced widespread criticism for being too lenient, assaulting a police officer is considered a bail-eligible offense. Bragg’s office initially stated that they were reviewing additional camera footage to determine the involvement of different suspects and appropriate charges. However, they have since taken a stronger stance, working alongside the police to identify the responsible individuals and hold them accountable.
A spokesperson from Bragg’s office highlighted the decrease in shootings and murders since Bragg assumed office, as well as the increase in gun prosecutions. They expressed willingness to collaborate with the signatories of the letter on public safety initiatives, such as strengthening hate and sex crimes laws and investing in mental health initiatives to prevent crime.
Governor Hochul, while not explicitly mentioning Bragg by name, criticized the handling of the attack and called for the deportation of the individuals involved. She argued that suspects can be held while investigations are ongoing, and bail can be requested and granted to ensure public safety.
Ortt urged Hochul to take action if she truly believes the suspects should have been deported, suggesting that firing Bragg would be an appropriate response to his alleged failure to perform his duties as district attorney. Bragg has been a frequent target of criticism by Republicans, with former Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin vowing to remove him from office during his 2022 campaign to unseat Hochul.