A Manhattan courthouse transformed into a crime scene last month. A man, with a record of multiple open criminal cases, brazenly slashed two law enforcement officers inside the very institution meant to uphold justice. This shocking incident is a wake-up call—a glaring indicator of the utter failure of our justice system under Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
In the heart of New York City, the courthouse has devolved into a sanctuary for criminals emboldened by a lenient justice approach. This is not merely an unfortunate outlier; it is a symptom of a systematic breakdown. Bragg has spent three years signaling to violent offenders that consequences are negotiable and that evasion of justice is their right. His infamous “day one memo” laid out a dangerous doctrine—a manifesto that prioritizes the freedom of criminals over the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Bragg instructed prosecutors to reject jail time in most cases, downgrade serious felonies to mere misdemeanors, and even ignore certain crimes. Fare evasion, resisting arrest, and trespassing became offenses that prosecutors were instructed to overlook. This memo was a clear invitation for lawlessness, sending a message that there would be no repercussions for criminal behavior.
The results speak for themselves: repeat offenders cycle through the system with alarming frequency, emboldened thieves target stores, and the citizens of Manhattan are left to navigate a landscape marked by fear and disorder. My commitment, as your next district attorney, is to reverse this reckless policy. My first act will be to rescind Bragg’s memo and introduce my “People’s Plan for Public Safety” designed to restore accountability and secure our neighborhoods.
This plan operates on three decisive principles:
First, we will vigorously prosecute violent crimes. Every family in Manhattan deserves the right to feel secure in their homes and communities. Under my leadership, violent felonies such as robbery and assault will receive the seriousness they warrant. Prosecutors will be empowered to do their jobs without the threat of interference, ensuring that justice is served.
Second, we will address the flaws in our bail system. New Yorkers recognize that the current reforms have swung too far, restricting judges’ ability to evaluate dangerousness when determining bail. This has resulted in a state where violent offenders are repeatedly released, only to hurt more innocent victims. I will work with lawmakers and law enforcement to restore judicial discretion, ensuring that pretrial release decisions reflect the actual risks to public safety.
Third, we will forge an unbreakable alliance with law enforcement and the community. It’s essential to rebuild trust between prosecutors and police while holding both accountable to the public. Our streets demand a district attorney willing to collaborate with law enforcement, not one that undermines their efforts and complicates every arrest.
The time for “catch-and-release” policies is over. No longer will we tolerate a revolving door for repeat offenders or confuse misguided compassion with chaos. On my first day in office, the era of excuses will conclude, and accountability will take center stage.
As a mother raising four children in Manhattan and a former public defender who has experienced the inner workings of these courtrooms, I fully understand the stakes. I have witnessed the consequences of a failed system, and I know precisely what needs to be done to mend it. Bragg’s memo has not only altered case management; it has sullied the very expectation of justice in our city.
It has told victims they are not our priority. It has assured criminals they will escape punishment. It has left law enforcement to fend for themselves, battling crime with both hands tied.
On my first day in office, we will redefine the narrative. In Manhattan, we will no longer issue permission slips for crime. We will reinstate accountability as the benchmark and restore law and order—finally prioritizing the safety of the public.
As your district attorney, I promise to protect our city. We will not back down; we will stand firm for justice.
