The recent acquittal of Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran charged in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, has intensified scrutiny of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s prosecutorial decisions. Critics, including New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, are urging the incoming Trump administration to initiate a federal civil rights investigation into Bragg’s office, alleging politically motivated prosecutions and a failure to uphold justice.
Councilwoman Paladino expressed her concerns on “Fox & Friends First,” stating, “I would like to see the incoming Trump administration launch a federal civil rights investigation into the Manhattan DA’s office.” She criticized Bragg’s approach to law enforcement, suggesting that his policies have led to increased crime and a lack of accountability for offenders.
The Penny case has become a focal point in the debate over Bragg’s prosecutorial priorities. Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter after restraining Neely, a homeless man exhibiting erratic behavior on a subway train. Penny’s defense argued that his actions were in self-defense and intended to protect fellow passengers. The jury’s not-guilty verdict has been interpreted by some as a rejection of Bragg’s decision to prosecute the case.
Paladino’s call for a federal investigation is part of a broader critique of Bragg’s tenure as district attorney. She and others accuse him of pursuing cases for political gain while neglecting the safety and rights of law-abiding citizens. The councilwoman emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We need to hold these people accountable. We need to hold Alvin Bragg accountable.”
The outcome of the Penny trial has also prompted reactions from other political figures. Some have called for Bragg’s resignation, arguing that his prosecutorial decisions are undermining public trust in the justice system. The district attorney’s office, however, maintains that it pursued the case based on the evidence and in the interest of justice.
As the incoming administration considers its approach to civil rights enforcement, the calls for an investigation into the Manhattan DA’s office highlight ongoing tensions over law enforcement practices and prosecutorial discretion. The situation underscores the complex interplay between local and federal authorities in addressing concerns about justice and public safety.