Statement by Representative Adriano Espaillat, Community Leaders Following Request to Dismiss Jose Alba Case
Espaillat Commends District Attorney Bragg for Dismissal Request and Urges Whole of Government Approach to Curb Violence in District
Member of Congress Vows Continued Efforts to Work with Mayor Adams, DA Bragg, Leaders to Increase Neighborhood Safety
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued a statement following District Attorney Bragg’s request to the court to dismiss the case against Hamilton Heights resident, Jose Alba. Since the bodega tragedy, Rep. Espaillat has been actively engaged in addressing the situation with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Philip Banks, and District Attorney Alvin Bragg and has urged for a full government approach to addressing the case and increased crime within New York’s 13th congressional district.
“Jose Alba’s case did not go unnoticed, and I commend District Attorney Bragg for today’s motion to the courts to dismiss Mr. Alba’s case following his review of the evidence,” said Rep. Espaillat. “I heard from many of my constituents regarding the tragedy that took place earlier this month and it remains critical that we do all that it takes to address crime and violence that has become a near daily occurrence in my district. I am grateful to DA Bragg for keeping me abreast of the Alba case, which further highlights the need for every level of government to address the escalating crime in the city of New York.
“I am grateful to Mayor Adams for walking the neighborhood with me last week where this incident and the murder of 14 year old Ethan Reyes occurred and for taking the time to hear the concerns of residents, particularly store owners, on how the city government can address crime in the area. Today’s dismissal is a step in the right direction, and I commend the mayor for increasing the mobile unit of NYPD officers in the Hamilton Heights community. I will continued my calls for increased resources to help bodega and supermarket owners ensure safety and vigilance at locations. This is a matter of safety for all throughout my district so that our essential workers can feel safe doing their jobs, families can feel safe navigating daily routines throughout our city, and some of our most vulnerable neighborhoods can have much needed resources to address the issue of crime and keep our neighborhoods from falling through the cracks of violence,” continued Espaillat.
“Today is a win, not only for Jose Alba and his family, but for the justice system as a whole,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “Prosecution is not a political process—it’s an evidentiary one. I applaud District Attorney Bragg for his meticulous work examining the evidence, which has resulted in the dismissal of charges. The events of July 1st are tragic, and we must not forget that they highlight the critical need for public safety and investment in our communities.”
“Members of the National Supermarkets Association (NSA) commend Congressman Espaillat for his leadership working collaboratively to address Mr. Alba’s case as well as to find solutions to crime in New York City,” said Samuel Collado, President of the National Supermarkets Association. “Today’s news of the dismissal of this case is welcomed throughout the community. Individuals must feel safe while going about routines to their local grocery provider to purchase food and other resources for their families, and we must do all it takes to ensure that tragedies such as the case with Jose Alba and Austin Simon do not happen again in our community.”
“Crime targeting bodegas has increased, and we cannot afford to leave store owners and workers behind in our efforts to address the impact crime is having around the entire city,” said Francisco Marte, the founder of the Bodega and Small Business Group. “We commend today’s effort by DA Bragg for the dismissal of Jose Alba’s case, and we urge New York City address with urgency the impact of crime to bodegas within its scope to address all crime happening around the city – to ensure these workers and individuals like Mr. Alba are not excluded from the conversation.
The Yemeni American Merchants Association and its members are extremely happy to learn that the charges against Mr. Jose Alba are being dropped. We appreciate the due diligence DA Bragg put into this investigation,” said Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Co-Founder of the Yemeni American Merchants Association.
“We must continue to be the change we want to see in our community,” said United Bodegas of America President Radhames Rodriguez. “We are appreciative of Rep. Espaillat for leading on this issue to bring attention to the Jose Alba’s case and are grateful to DA Bragg for today’s dismissal of this case.
“As a community of bodega, supermarket, and restaurants owners, we are appreciative of today’s outcome for Mr. Alba and are grateful for the DA this action to dismiss Mr. Alba’s case,” said Jeffrey Garcia, president of the Latino Restaurant Bar and Lounge Association. “Violence cannot become the norm of our city and we must do all that it possible to ensure the safety of families in every corner of our neighborhoods.”
“District Attorney Bragg's court request to dismiss the case against Mr. José Alba is a good decision,” said Élida Almonte, president of the Dominican Chamber of Commerce in New York. “As a community activist who defends the rights of the working class and the entire community in general, we understand that incidents like this should serve to foster unity among elected officials, activists, and members of the community, in order to seek viable solutions and fairness to guarantee the rights of all, and especially during a time when New York City is experiencing an increase in crime.”