New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino is urging the incoming Trump administration to launch a federal civil rights probe into the Manhattan District Attorney's Office following Marine veteran Daniel Penny's recent acquittal. Paladino alleges that District Attorney Alvin Bragg's charges, including those in the high-profile subway chokehold case, were politically motivated.
Paladino, a Republican, has been a vocal supporter of Penny, arguing that he deserved a fair trial and had been 'failed by the system.' Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran, was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide after putting a homeless man in a chokehold on a New York City subway.
The manslaughter charge against Penny was dropped at the prosecution's request after jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision. The outcome of the trial has drawn criticism from Black Lives Matter activists who have vowed to protest the verdict.
In response to the acquittal, District Attorney Bragg stated that he respects the jury's decision and condemned the hate and threats directed at prosecutors during the trial. Bragg also thanked the NYPD, the judge presiding over the case, and the jury members for their dedication.
Attorney Maud Maron, a Republican candidate for Bragg's seat, criticized the progressive D.A., accusing him of mishandling the case and departing from his duties by not prosecuting certain offenses. Maron highlighted the impact of the Penny case on Bragg's legacy, emphasizing the young man's lack of criminal record and honorable military service.
The calls for a federal investigation into the Manhattan D.A.'s Office underscore the contentious nature of the Penny trial and raise questions about the handling of criminal cases in New York City. As the debate continues, the outcome of this high-profile case is likely to have lasting implications for both the District Attorney's Office and the broader criminal justice system in Manhattan.
