July 2024. Blues Vol 40 No.7

AROUND THE COUNTRY NEW

AROUND THE COUNTRY NEW YORK, NY. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg condemned for dropping charges against 30 pro-Hamas rioters. BY Matthew Holloway NEW YORK, NY - A majority of the pro-Hamas rioters who illegally occupied Columbia University buildings in New York City have had their charges dropped by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg during hearings on Thursday generating severe criticism. Reporting published Friday by The Washington Times observed that 30 of 43 rioters arrested during the occupation of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University saw their cases dismissed with Bragg’s office, citing “absence of criminal histories and a lack of evidence.” Bragg’s office explained that the individuals were wearing masks at the time of their arrest and surveillance cameras were covered. Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Stephen Millan told Judge Kevin McGrath, “It would be extremely difficult for the people to prove any charge of misconduct.” Another 13 people were offered dropped charges contingent on avoiding arrest for the next six months, however, they declined 58 The Blues - July ‘24 and are scheduled to appear for another hearing on July 25th as reported by the Columbia Spectator. The group complained that the DA’s office didn’t dismiss all of the defendants’ cases. At a press conference, a spokesman for the group told reporters, “We refuse to abandon our co-defendants or to tacitly endorse the state’s definitions of legitimate and illegitimate protests, while the same state perpetrates genocide. We insist that property is not sacrosanct, but life is. We call on all people to stand in solidarity with those who take direct action to resist genocidal force.” The blow back against Bragg was nearly immediate. The Manhattan DA, who has taken enormous rhetorical fire for declining prosecutions while aggressively pursuing charges against former President Donald Trump, was blasted for the move by many prominent figures in New York and beyond. New York’s Kiryas Joel School District Superintendent Joel Petlin told The Times, “Pro

Hamas protesters caused tens of thousands of dollars in damages and attacked a custodian at Columbia University. How much damage do you need to do in order for the Manhattan DA to prosecute you if your name isn’t Donald Trump?” Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY) told the outlet, “This decision undermines the rule of law and sends a dangerous message that unlawful behavior will be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but these protests were anything but. Breaking into and occupying campus buildings. Threatening students. Supporting terrorist organizations…There needs to be consequences.” He posted to X, “I am deeply disturbed by the recent news that nearly all charges against the Columbia University protesters have been dropped by DA Alvin Bragg’s office. This decision undermines the rule of law and sends a dangerous message that unlawful behavior will be tolerated.” “This is turnstile justice,” Michael Nussbaum, a 25-year Jewish Community Relations Council of New York member told The New York Post, “This a green light for chaos, a green light for destroying property.” Several police officers who spoke to The Post anonymously expressed outrage. “Lack of evidence?” one of them told a reporter. “Apparently body-worn camera wasn’t enough?” Another NYPD veteran officer warned, “We have a DA giving them what amounts to a mandate to push the envelope further now.” protect and serve with distinction Our 100% online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for the working professional Discover work experience the difference at •Nationally-renowned faculty •Affordable tuition uccj.online The Blues - July ‘24 59