Far-left Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg faced criticism this weekend after a robbery victim was charged with attempted murder.
According to Fox News, 57-year-old garage attendant Moussa Diarra spotted 59-year-old Charles Rhodie suspiciously looking into cars at around 5:30 on Saturday morning.
Rhodie allegedly pulled a gun when Diarra confronted him and fired two shots, leaving Diarra with a stomach wound and a graze to his ear.
However, Diarra was able to take the gun away from Rhodie and allegedly shoot him once in the chest. In addition to being charged with attempted murder, Diarra is also facing charges of assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Meanwhile, Rhodie has been charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon along with attempted burglary.
News of Diarra's charges provoked outrage online, including from New York City Council Republican leader Joe Borelli.
Borelli slammed Bragg for being a "perpetual April Fools Day joke," adding, "He must not bring this charge. Support Moussa Diarra, who was just doing his job and almost paid with his life."
Alvin Bragg is our perpetual April Fools Day joke. He must not bring this charge. Support Moussa Diarra, who was just doing his job and almost paid with his life.
https://t.co/QaJdZbuRiI— Joe Borelli (@JoeBorelliNYC) April 2, 2023
Meanwhile, others argued that the district attorney is attempting to dissuade citizens from defending their lives and property.
The purpose of Alvin Bragg charging a victim like Moussa Diarra is to send a message that New Yorkers shouldn't fight back. That we should sit tight & accept crime. If someone breaks into a car & steals you should do nothing & let the criminals run wild. That's what they want. https://t.co/A4gqDqoEM1
— Izengabe (@Izengabe_) April 2, 2023
Bragg was similarly condemned last summer when he charged 61-year-old Jose Alba with murder after he fatally stabbed a man who attacked him on the job.
The New York Post reported that Alba spent time in the notorious jail on Rikers Island before his charges were eventually dropped.
Additional criticism came when Bragg decided not to charge the girlfriend of Alba's attacker despite video footage showing her stabbing the clerk.
Francisco Marte is a member of the Bodega and Small Business Association Group, and he told the Post, "I don’t understand why the [district attorney] hasn’t charged her."
