Report: Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg downgraded 60% of felony offenses in past year

During his time as Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg has courted controversy more than once for what critics call his soft-on-crime approach, and according to new data, it appears that he has been caught downgrading upwards of 60% of all felony cases brought to him in the past year, as the Daily Mail reports.

Statistics cited by the outlet reveal that Bragg cut 938 of the most serious offenses alleged in 2023, with 834 of those reduced to the misdemeanor level.

Keeping his promises

Though many are outraged by the fact that Bragg's numbers represent an increase in the number of downgraded felonies as compared to his predecessor, that trajectory should not come as a great surprise to anyone who was paying attention during his campaign.

While seeking the office he now holds, Bragg vowed to pursue significant criminal justice reform measures, noting in a “Day One” memo that he would request prison time only for those guilty of the most heinous of crimes.

According to recently released data, not only has Bragg downgraded the lion's share of felony cases, since taking office, he has also refused prosecution on 14% of all arrest, an 5% increase from the prior officeholder's record.

Police assault highlights concerns

Bringing the issue into stark relief in recent weeks was an incident in which a group of migrants assaulted NYPD officers in Times Square, after which Bragg initially allowed their release from custody without bail.

Amid growing outrage over the situation, Bragg attempted to defend his actions by first expressing his disgust over the conduct of the offenders, as CBS News noted.

“In Manhattan, we don't tolerate or accept assaults on police officers. I watched the tape this week. Despicable behavior. It sickened me and outraged me,” Bragg insisted.

However, he then defended the decision to release the suspects, saying, “While the video is shocking and disturbing, in order to secure convictions in a court of law, it is essential that we conclusively identify each defendant,” and indicating that the available footage did not facilitate such a process.

Even Democrat New York Attorney Letitia James seemed perplexed by Bragg's decision, opining, “Bail should have been set on those individuals. It was a serious felony and bail should have been set. Why it was not set, I do not know.”

Criticism abounds

Bragg's conduct has drawn the particular ire of conservatives who believe he has engaged in an overtly political agenda that includes his decision to prosecute former President Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels hush money case.

Alex Pfeiffer of Make America Great Again Inc. encapsulated those sentiments, saying, Alvin Bragg is disgrace. He cares more about targeting Joe Biden's political opponent than protecting New Yorkers from rapists, murderers, and robbers,” and that is a feeling shared by growing numbers of the D.A.'s own constituents.