The president and founder of the Bodega and Small Business Owners group voiced concerns on Newsmax Thursday, stating that store owners in New York are feeling fearful under the leadership of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Francisco Marte spoke on “Wake Up America” following former President Donald Trump’s recent visit to a bodega in Harlem, where a clerk, Jose Alba, defended himself against an assault by Austin Simon in 2022, resulting in Simon’s death.
Alvin Bragg, Manhattan’s district attorney (Credits: Reason Magazine)
Despite Alba’s initial arrest for second-degree murder and time spent in Rikers Island, Bragg later dropped the charges. Alba has subsequently filed a federal lawsuit against the city, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful prosecution.
Marte expressed the fear felt by store owners in New York, highlighting a perceived disparity in treatment between criminals and law-abiding citizens.
He cited a recent incident where an employee in a supermarket was arrested for defending himself, underscoring the challenges faced by those seeking to protect themselves.
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg (Credits: Axios)
According to Marte, the leniency towards criminals and the punishment of hardworking individuals has created a sense of apprehension within the community.
He emphasized the need for individuals to be able to defend themselves without fear of reprisal from authorities, criticizing what he perceives as a soft approach to crime by liberals.
Marte revealed that a noteworthy portion of bodega owners choose not to report incidents to the police, reflecting a lack of confidence in the justice system. He noted Trump’s promise to collaborate with local officials to address crime if re-elected as president, indicating a desire for stronger measures to ensure public safety.
