Daniel Penny’s not-guilty verdict triggers outrage against Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg

Calls to remove Alvin Bragg have intensified after Daniel Penny’s not-guilty verdict in Jordan Neely’s chokehold case.

Calls to remove Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg from office have grown louder following the controversial prosecutor’s decision to take Daniel Penny to trial for Jordan Neely’s chokehold death, despite the jury’s stunning not-guilty verdict on Monday.

Republican lawmakers criticized Bragg for pursuing the case, accusing the borough’s top prosecutor of acting out of political motives. One lawmaker even called on the US Department of Justice to investigate his actions.

“You can’t do this to American heroes,” Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy said on Fox Business’ “Cavuto Coast to Coast.” He added that he wanted the incoming Trump administration DOJ to investigate “civil rights abuses” against Penny and to “hold New York accountable.”

“The fact that an American jury stood against the crazy, tyrannical lawlessness of the New York prosecutor’s office, and Alvin Bragg, and stood up and said that this man, this American hero, should be let free. God bless,” Roy continued. “That means things are heading in the right direction.”

Bragg has faced longstanding criticism for his perceived leniency on crime, including his criminal case against President-elect Donald Trump, which ended in Trump being convicted on 34 felony counts. Bragg has also been scrutinized for prosecuting bodega worker Jose Alba, whose fatal stabbing of an attacker was later deemed self-defense and dismissed.

“Alvin Bragg has failed in his responsibilities to enforce the law and keep New Yorkers safe. Sadly, he has engaged in political prosecutions on numerous cases, including President Trump, Daniel Penny and Jose Alba,” Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) said in a statement Monday. “He should be removed from office immediately.”

State Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R-Staten Island) echoed the calls for Bragg’s removal, accusing him of wasting taxpayer funds by pressing charges against Penny.

“Penny was wrongfully accused and slandered to better serve the DA’s skewed agenda. New Yorkers stood up against the unlawfulness and dishonesty,” Tannousis said. “If only Alvin Bragg actually did his job and protected New Yorkers the city would be a lot safer than it is today.”