Western Reader
The Police Benevolent Association of New York City criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg with a billboard truck this weekend. The PBA warned residents and local businesses that Bragg favors the rights of criminals more than the average citizen.
The protest comes after the arrest of Salvatore Provenzano, an officer who was called to an Upper West Side Apple store in October 2021 to remove a man harassing customers.
Bragg Charged Provenzano
Provenzano attempted to escort the man out of the store by his arm, but the man broke free and the officer struck him on the left side of his face, according to court documents. The man Provenzano punched had previously been banned from the Apple store but returned to agitate customers and employees before closing time. Despite not causing harm to the unruly man, Bragg indicted Provenzano, took him into custody, hit him with assault charges, and suspended him without pay.
PBA: No Point in Calling 911 If Officer Can Be Arrested for Doing Their Duty
PBA President Patrick Hendry criticized DA Bragg for not being supportive of law-abiding citizens. Hendry argued that Bragg is more inclined towards repeat offenders who have been released en masse since he took office. He further mentioned that individuals are not allowed to take action to remove shoplifters or disorderly individuals from their stores and doing so may lead to their arrest, as they lack the legal ability to defend themselves.
Brian Plunkett, a witness, expressed to the New York Post that the officer’s actions were justified, stating that the suspect appeared to elbow him in the side of the head. Plunkett also mentioned that the officers apprehended the suspect and placed him under arrest before the encounter occurred. He asserted that if called to testify in court, he would support the police in his testimony.
This article appeared in The Political Globe and has been published here with permission.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings