On April 17th, Congressional Republicans are holding a hearing in Manhattan about Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Brag and Victims of Violent Crime, Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY released the following statement:

“It is an unprecedented and gross abuse of power for the United States House of Representatives to hold a hearing about Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and violent crime in a city they don’t even represent. Congress has no jurisdiction over criminal matters in New York. This is nothing more than a blatant attempt to interfere in an ongoing trial – one the Manhattan District Attorney has the proper authority to pursue, without fear or favor. Maintaining the independence of the Office of the District Attorney is integral to the functioning of our legal system, and Members of Congress who violate that sovereignty do so in flagrant disregard for our democracy. This is not just an attack on D.A. Bragg and the Assistant District Attorneys – all of whom are public servants – but on the rule of law and American democracy itself.”