Alvin Bragg becomes Manhattan's first Black district attorney

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Alvin Bragg has been elected Manhattan's top prosecutor, becoming the first Black man to lead the New York City borough's district attorney's office as it carries out its probe into former President Donald Trump and his business empire.

Bragg, a former federal prosecutor, ran on a platform of social justice, emphasizing the need for greater police accountability, while also highlighting the importance of public safety. He was heavily favored to win against Republican candidate Thomas Kenniff, according to the New York Times.

Bragg will take over from Cyrus Vance, Jr., the incumbent top prosecutor, beginning in January.

He will take office amid a simmering chorus calling for police reform following the high-profile deaths of Black men at the hands of officers across the country, most notably George Floyd who was murdered during a fatal arrest in 2020.

But Bragg will also be inheriting an ongoing case against Trump and his businesses that began under Vance, and which has already resulted in charges being presented against one former top executive on tax-related allegations.

Bragg has pledged to follow the facts when carrying out the probe, according to the New York Times.