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During his visit, Trump did not mince words about the local governance under Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, criticizing him for what he sees as a failure to effectively tackle crime, while allegedly prioritizing political prosecutions, including his own. At the forefront of his remarks was the situation surrounding Jose Alba, a former bodega clerk who faced murder charges following a self-defense claim during a violent altercation at his workplace.
Trump stated, “It’s Alvin Bragg’s fault. Alvin Bragg does nothing. You know where the crime is, in the bodegas where they come and rob them every week.”
Francisco Marte, President of the Bodega Association, expressed gratitude for Trump’s focus on public safety, a sentiment echoed by attendees such as Diane Rivera-Lopez. She praised Trump’s visit, saying, “I think he did the right thing. By coming to support Alba, he actually showed that he even cares for the little man.”
In their statement, the Bodega and Small Business Group (BSBG) voiced strong support for Trump. They highlighted their appreciation for his stance on stricter enforcement against retail theft, which has become a significant threat to their businesses.
“The Bodega and Small Business Group (BSBG)… is honored to host former President Donald J. Trump at the Blue Moon bodega in Manhattan, where Jose Alba was arrested for merely defending himself and his business against a convicted felon,” the statement detailed.
The statement further criticized the Manhattan DA, noting, “The Manhattan DA, Alvin Bragg, only backed off after an angry public campaign from store owners and their supporters united behind Mr. Alba and his Constitutional rights.”
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The endorsement from the BSBG comes amidst a backdrop of contentious political debates over criminal justice reform in New York, with state legislators recently declining a proposal by Governor Kathy Hochul to intensify penalties for assaults on retail workers. This decision underscores the broader split within the Democratic Party on how to manage criminal justice and public safety concerns, pivotal issues for many voters as the election season approaches.
The growing support from grassroots organizations like the BSBG for Trump could prove influential as he continues to campaign on a platform of reinforcing law and order, aiming to reassure voters and small business owners of his commitment to addressing their concerns.
