Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg on the Decline in Crime, Remedying Wrongful Convictions, and More

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg joins The Brian Lehrer Show to discuss the city's record-low crime rates, particularly the historic decline in murders and shootings, attributing the drop to a data-driven, focused approach on violent crime and community investment. He emphasizes continuity with previous administrations' strategies, especially in targeting concentrated gun violence, while acknowledging ongoing challenges like rising felony assaults—particularly those involving mental health, domestic violence, and attacks on police officers. Bragg defends his office's progressive policies against past criticisms, rejecting the 'broken windows' theory's punitive interpretation and advocating for systemic fixes over incarceration. He highlights the office's work on post-conviction justice, including vacating the wrongful 1993 conviction of Harry Ruiz after evidence of undisclosed witness payments emerged. Bragg also addresses white-collar crime, citing active cases against corrupt officials and corporate fraud, and discusses efforts to combat online scams targeting immigrants through Meta platforms. A caller shares a harrowing personal story of domestic abuse and inadequate response from prosecutors, prompting Bragg to offer support resources. The episode concludes with a brief update on New York’s stalled state budget negotiations.