New York City: Progressive Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has come under fire for downgrading 60% of felony cases to lesser charges in 2023, according to his office’s data. Bragg’s policies have fueled concerns about public safety and the growing perception of lawlessness in New York City.
Downgraded Felonies and Reduced Convictions
- Bragg reduced 938 felonies last year, with 834 downgraded to misdemeanors.
- His felony conviction rate has dropped to 52%, down from 65% under his predecessor.
- The DA declined to prosecute 14% of all arrests in 2023, compared to 9% in 2021.
Bragg’s team claims the office’s performance is in line with other boroughs and boasts a higher felony conviction rate than the citywide average.
Controversial Policies
Since taking office, Bragg has instructed prosecutors to seek prison time only in the most severe cases and has downgraded serious charges like armed robbery to petit larceny. These lenient policies have emboldened criminals and left victims frustrated.
Joseph Borgen, a victim of an anti-Semitic assault, criticized a plea deal allowing his attacker to serve just 18 months for a brutal hate crime. Similarly, suspects accused of assaulting NYPD officers in Times Square were released, only to reoffend days later.
Rising Crime Concerns
Despite minor overall crime reductions—murders down 11.9%, robberies down 3.1%—the numbers mask alarming spikes: motor vehicle thefts are up 191% from pre-pandemic levels, and felony assaults have risen 6.3%.
Bragg’s leniency has sparked fury among conservatives and crime victims alike. Alex Pfeiffer, a spokesman for Make America Great Again Inc., blasted Bragg: “He cares more about targeting Joe Biden’s political opponent than protecting New Yorkers.”
Mayor Adams’ Deflection
Mayor Eric Adams insists crime is decreasing but downplays public concerns, recently comparing NYC favorably to Los Angeles’ Skid Row. However, his assurances ring hollow as asylum seekers sleep on streets amid a migrant crisis and residents feel unsafe.
Critics argue that Bragg’s soft-on-crime agenda prioritizes ideology over justice, leaving New Yorkers vulnerable in a city still grappling with violent crime.
