New York, NY — Patrick Timmins, lone primary challenger to incumbent Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, on Thursday released a statement condemning an attack earlier this week on police officers and outlining a series of steps he would take as District Attorney to ensure these attacks were not as prevalent, or serious, in the future.
A violent incident in Times Square on the evening of Friday, May 2nd has raised alarm among law enforcement and city officials after a group of underage assailants, some as young as 12, attacked two NYPD officers attempting to intervene in an attempted robbery.
“We are witnessing a crisis on our streets and in our courtrooms,” said Patrick Timmins, lone primary challenger to current Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.
All suspects arrested in the initial response have since been released without bail. One additional 16-year-old suspect, described by police as a “known recidivist,” was later apprehended but released without charges after questioning. As of Tuesday, the NYPD has released photos of three more suspects who remain at large.
“When 12- and 13-year-olds are arrested for assaulting police officers and are then released within hours due to a broken justice system, something has gone terribly wrong,” said Timmins.
“This is not justice,” Timmins continued. “It’s lawlessness masquerading as compassion.”
Full Timmins Statement
“When 12- and 13-year-olds are arrested for assaulting police officers and are then released within hours due to a broken justice system, something has gone terribly wrong. Gangs like Tren de Aragua and Diablos 42 are recruiting children, turning them into foot soldiers for organized violence, knowing full well that the system treats them as untouchable. This is not justice—it’s lawlessness masquerading as compassion.
“I believe in second chances. I believe in rehabilitation. But I also believe in consequences. Assaulting a police officer is a serious crime no matter the age of the accused. If a 13 year old is old enough to attack a cop, they are old enough to face serious charges not a slap on the wrist, not a return to the same street corner the same day.
“We owe it to our communities especially those most affected by violence to take action. Alvin Bragg’s weak on crime policies are enabling a new generation of violence. I will not look the other way.
This city deserves a District Attorney who understands that justice without accountability is not justice at all. Alvin Bragg has forgotten that.”
Timmins Plan
- Prosecute violent juvenile offenders with urgency. Where appropriate, seek removal to criminal court. Violence cannot be excused by age alone.
- Partner with state legislators to reform family court laws, so that judges have the tools to detain and mandate serious intervention for young offenders who pose a threat to the public.
- Work with the NYPD to identify recruitment patterns, collaborate with federal partners, and dismantle criminal networks targeting youth.
- Track outcomes in youth violence cases, including which judges, prosecutors, and programs are working and which are failing.
- Support families and schools with early warning programs to intervene before kids fall into gang pipelines.
