DA Bragg releases suspects, again

Alvin Bragg Alvin Bragg has dismissed the cases of 31 out of 46 individuals charged with occupying Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall in April.

These individuals, considered left-wing protestors, were involved in “pro-Palestinian” demonstrations, but the Manhattan district attorney has shown no interest in pursuing charges against them.

The district attorney’s office claimed lack of evidence, including security-camera footage linking the individuals to the illegal occupation of Hamilton Hall and the resulting property damage.

Despite the disabling of security cameras by the occupiers, there is still body-cam footage of police officers removing them from the building for booking and mug shots, providing sufficient evidence for prosecution.

Even if it’s difficult to identify specific individuals responsible for property destruction, there is enough evidence to pursue conspiracy charges in court.

While it may be costly to review body-cam footage quickly as required by criminal justice reforms, the District Attorney’s Office has the financial resources to do so.

However, Bragg seems unwilling to take a tough stance on this issue.

This lack of prosecution has been criticized for setting a precedent for chaos and property destruction, as evidenced by the recent defacement of a nearby subway station with anti-Israel graffiti.

Supporters of justice in Manhattan are urged to consider supporting credible challengers in the upcoming elections to hold the district attorney accountable.