Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, often criticized for his lenient approach, received complimentary tickets valued at over $9,400 to 17 prominent galas and events last year.
As noted in Bragg’s annual report, 14 out of these 17 tickets were provided by nonprofit organizations and others that have city contracts. The information was disclosed to the city’s conflict of interest committee.
Some notable events included:
- A June 6 gala held by the New York Police Foundation at a renowned Manhattan museum, with tickets valued at $2,500 each. Notably, Phil Sims, the Super Bowl MVP, was in attendance.
- Also on June 6, tickets ranging from $50 to $999 were available for an event supporting Brooklyn’s Alternative Employment Services Center.
Bragg attended three events that weren’t organized by business groups, one of which was the April 10 “Dream Garrison” gala held by the National Action Network, a civil rights organization closely linked with political figures including Al Sharpton. Bragg valued his ticket at between $1,000 and nearly $5,000.
Since becoming DA in 2022, Bragg, a Democrat, has faced mounting criticism, and his reported ticket value ranges from $9,400 to nearly $53,000.
In contrast, Bronx DA Darcel Clark attended 10 events last year, with a reported value of $1,400 to nearly $13,000. Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez attended seven events totaling approximately $2,260, while Queens DA Melinda Katz and Staten Island DA Michael McMahon did not report receiving similar benefits.
Bragg, who acknowledged he should be more cautious about accepting gifts from businesses that work with the city, faces scrutiny regarding his priorities. Observers note he seems focused on attending high-profile events rather than addressing crime effectively.
Diana Florence, an independent prosecutor running against him in the upcoming election, emphasized that Bragg has been more engaged in social initiatives than in ensuring public safety. She criticized him for favoring criminals over the everyday citizens of New York.
Bragg’s spokesperson, Daniel Filson, defended him by highlighting his attendance at events that support domestic violence victims and other community-focused organizations. He dismissed the criticisms as a political smear aimed at discrediting Bragg’s achievements in keeping Manhattan safe.
