On eve of Trump’s New York hush money trial, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg touts drop in violent crime

Alvin Bragg Faces Challenges in Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, is facing a problem in his pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In August 2022, two people, including a bystander, were shot during an attempted robbery in Washington Heights. This incident poses a crisis for Bragg, who was elected as a reformist prosecutor but has been criticized for being soft on crime in a city struggling with post-pandemic crime surge.

Working Towards SDGs

Bragg acknowledges that there is more work to be done to achieve the SDGs. He wants to bring crime levels back down to pre-pandemic levels, and although the data is encouraging, there is still progress to be made.

Challenges and Criticisms

Bragg’s approach to law enforcement has faced blowback, especially in high-profile instances of violent crime. Incidents such as the chokehold death of a homeless man on the New York City subway, the attack on police officers by migrants in Times Square, and the refusal by an Arizona prosecutor to extradite a murder suspect to New York have provided ammunition for Bragg’s critics.

Measuring Success

Bragg defends his conduct as measured and responsible. He highlights the exoneration of a falsely identified Venezuelan man involved in the Times Square assault. He also calls for support for mental health treatment initiatives and points to the positive results achieved in the fight against crime, with shootings in Manhattan decreasing by 38% and homicides dropping by 21% since 2021.

Prosecuting Trump

Bragg’s most notable prosecution is the upcoming trial of former President Donald Trump. Trump has criticized Bragg for bringing the case, accusing him of being “lazy on violent crime.” Bragg, however, maintains that his prosecution of Trump does not impact the other work of his office. He emphasizes that his office is committed to doing the right thing for the right reason, as evidenced by increased prosecutions for gun-related offenses and hate crimes.

Unique Moment in History

Bragg’s decision to bring criminal charges against a current or former U.S. president is unprecedented. He emphasizes his independent prosecutorial discretion and draws on his extensive experience in public service to justify his actions.

Following the Facts

Bragg highlights a recent indictment related to a shooting in Washington Heights as an example of how his office follows the facts. By investigating a separate scheme to steal checks, prosecutors were able to obtain a search warrant and ultimately link the suspect to the shooting through ballistic tests. This case exemplifies Bragg’s commitment to pursuing justice and reducing crime.

Perception of Crime

Bragg acknowledges the challenge of convincing people in relatively safe neighborhoods that crime numbers are going in the right direction. He recognizes that there are parts of the borough that may not see the progress made in reducing crime. It is his goal to not only drive these numbers down but also ensure that people feel safer in their communities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Specific Targets Under the SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• Number of shootings and homicides in Manhattan
• Prosecutions for gun-related offenses and hate crimes

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Explanation:
1. The article primarily addresses SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, as it discusses the challenges faced by the Manhattan district attorney in dealing with crime and the need for justice and law enforcement.
2. Based on the article’s content, specific targets under SDG 16 that can be identified are Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere, Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children, and Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
3. The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The number of shootings and homicides in Manhattan can be used as an indicator for Target 16.1. For Target 16.3, the article mentions prosecutions for gun-related offenses and hate crimes as indicators.
4. The table presents the findings from analyzing the article, listing the SDGs, their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: abcnews.go.com

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