WASHINGTON, DC – On July 19, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following statement regarding Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg dropping murder charges against Harlem bodega worker Jose Alba for fatally stabbing a man who attacked him earlier this month:

“Over the past several years, woke prosecutors, lenient judges, and Albany’s disastrous bail law have emboldened criminals to act, decreasing quality of life and making our streets less safe. While today’s news that charges will be dropped against Mr. Alba is a big victory for justice, what our city desperately needs is DA Bragg to charge criminals appropriately to prevent residents from having to resort to self-defense.

“Because of Democrats’ refusal to reverse their pro-criminal policies, major crimes in New York City have skyrocketed 37% this year alone. The American people have had enough of the violence and crime plaguing their communities, and if New Yorkers want actionable change, they cannot continue to support politicians and prosecutors who fail to uphold law and order to keep our communities safe.”