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Manhattan DA Shamefully Lets Criminals Go Unpunished for Columbia University Riots
Pro-Hamas demonstrators at Columbia University in New York City, US, April 29, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
The recent decision by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to drop charges against 31 of the 46 criminal protesters from Columbia University is not only unacceptable, but profoundly damaging to our societal fabric. This move will undoubtedly embolden more aggressive and destructive behavior in the future, sending a clear message that violence will go unpunished if it’s directed at Jews.
In a society that is supposed to value law and order, the role of the District Attorney is crucial in ensuring that those who break the law face appropriate consequences. By dismissing the charges against these individuals, Bragg is undermining the very principles that safeguard our communities. This decision not only disrespects the victims, but also erodes public safety and trust in our legal system.
During the Columbia University protests, numerous instances of violence were documented, including assaults on police officers, vandalism, and intimidation of bystanders. For instance, several officers were injured while trying to control the unruly crowds, and numerous reports of vandalism surfaced, including the destruction of public property and local businesses. Aside from assaulting Jewish students, the pro-Palestinian mob also broke into campus buildings, and hijacked the campus.
Such actions are not only illegal, but also detrimental to the fabric of a peaceful society. Letting these criminals go unpunished sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that certain groups can engage in criminal behavior without fear of repercussions.
Imagine if the political affiliations were different — if the Columbia mob targeted Black people or Asian people. The response would be entirely different — and we can be sure that 31 criminals would not be allowed to go free.
Law enforcement and judicial systems are designed to protect the innocent and maintain peace. When those entrusted with these systems fail to act justly, it creates a ripple effect of disorder and lawlessness. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate victims but the broader community that relies on the integrity of the justice system.
Historically, we have seen the dangers of leniency in the face of violence. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, lenient responses to violent protests and riots led to escalating unrest and a breakdown of public order. More recently, we’ve witnessed similar consequences in New York City, where the decision to release many arrested individuals without charges led to a spike in crime rates, and emboldened further lawlessness. Additionally, the New York Police Department has reported that a significant percentage of those released under that new bail law have gone on to commit additional crimes, highlighting the immediate and dangerous impact of such leniency.
According to a report from the Manhattan Institute, New York City saw a 97% rise in shootings and a 45% increase in murders in 2020 compared to the previous year, which many attributed to policies that reduced bail requirements and released offenders early. Other studies also found that cities implementing similar lenient prosecutorial practices experienced a significant rise in violent crime.
These statistics underscore the tangible impact of DA Bragg’s decision — not just as a theoretical risk, but as a proven catalyst for real-world violence and disorder.
It is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable for their actions. Dropping these charges is a clear abdication of responsibility, and we must speak out against such decisions and demand consistency and fairness in the application of justice. The rule of law must apply equally to all, regardless of political beliefs. Anything less is a disservice to our democracy and a dangerous path towards chaos and unrest.
Linda Sadacka is a noted political activist and community leader, serving as the CEO of the New York Jewish Council and founder of the charity Moms on a Mitzvah. Her advocacy, fueled by personal tragedy, includes organizing forums with lawmakers and Nobel laureates, and engaging wider audiences through her influential social media platform @lindaadvocate. Honored as a Woman of Distinction in 2022, she remains dedicated to fostering a just and compassionate society.
The post Manhattan DA Shamefully Lets Criminals Go Unpunished for Columbia University Riots first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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After False Dawns, Gazans Hope Trump Will Force End to Two-Year-Old War
Palestinians walk past a residential building destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept some other terms in a US plan to end the war, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip October 4, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
Exhausted Palestinians in Gaza clung to hopes on Saturday that US President Donald Trump would keep up pressure on Israel to end a two-year-old war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced the entire population of more than two million.
Hamas’ declaration that it was ready to hand over hostages and accept some terms of Trump’s plan to end the conflict while calling for more talks on several key issues was greeted with relief in the enclave, where most homes are now in ruins.
“It’s happy news, it saves those who are still alive,” said 32-year-old Saoud Qarneyta, reacting to Hamas’ response and Trump’s intervention. “This is enough. Houses have been damaged, everything has been damaged, what is left? Nothing.”
GAZAN RESIDENT HOPES ‘WE WILL BE DONE WITH WARS’
Ismail Zayda, 40, a father of three, displaced from a suburb in northern Gaza City where Israel launched a full-scale ground operation last month, said: “We want President Trump to keep pushing for an end to the war, if this chance is lost, it means that Gaza City will be destroyed by Israel and we might not survive.
“Enough, two years of bombardment, death and starvation. Enough,” he told Reuters on a social media chat.
“God willing this will be the last war. We will hopefully be done with the wars,” said 59-year-old Ali Ahmad, speaking in one of the tented camps where most Palestinians now live.
“We urge all sides not to backtrack. Every day of delay costs lives in Gaza, it is not just time wasted, lives get wasted too,” said Tamer Al-Burai, a Gaza City businessman displaced with members of his family in central Gaza Strip.
After two previous ceasefires — one near the start of the war and another earlier this year — lasted only a few weeks, he said; “I am very optimistic this time, maybe Trump’s seeking to be remembered as a man of peace, will bring us real peace this time.”
RESIDENT WORRIES THAT NETANYAHU WILL ‘SABOTAGE’ DEAL
Some voiced hopes of returning to their homes, but the Israeli military issued a fresh warning to Gazans on Saturday to stay out of Gaza City, describing it as a “dangerous combat zone.”
Gazans have faced previous false dawns during the past two years, when Trump and others declared at several points during on-off negotiations between Hamas, Israel and Arab and US mediators that a deal was close, only for war to rage on.
“Will it happen? Can we trust Trump? Maybe we trust Trump, but will Netanyahu abide this time? He has always sabotaged everything and continued the war. I hope he ends it now,” said Aya, 31, who was displaced with her family to Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.
She added: “Maybe there is a chance the war ends at October 7, two years after it began.”
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Mass Rally in Rome on Fourth Day of Italy’s Pro-Palestinian Protests
A Pro-Palestinian demonstrator waves a Palestinian flag during a national protest for Gaza in Rome, Italy, October 4, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Claudia Greco
Large crowds assembled in central Rome on Saturday for the fourth straight day of protests in Italy since Israel intercepted an international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza, and detained its activists.
People holding banners and Palestinian flags, chanting “Free Palestine” and other slogans, filed past the Colosseum, taking part in a march that organizers hoped would attract at least 1 million people.
“I’m here with a lot of other friends because I think it is important for us all to mobilize individually,” Francesco Galtieri, a 65-year-old musician from Rome, said. “If we don’t all mobilize, then nothing will change.”
Since Israel started blocking the flotilla late on Wednesday, protests have sprung up across Europe and in other parts of the world, but in Italy they have been a daily occurrence, in multiple cities.
On Friday, unions called a general strike in support of the flotilla, with demonstrations across the country that attracted more than 2 million, according to organizers. The interior ministry estimated attendance at around 400,000.
Italy’s right-wing government has been critical of the protests, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggesting that people would skip work for Gaza just as an excuse for a longer weekend break.
On Saturday, Meloni blamed protesters for insulting graffiti that appeared on a statue of the late Pope John Paul II outside Rome’s main train station, where Pro-Palestinian groups have been holding a protest picket.
“They say they are taking to the streets for peace, but then they insult the memory of a man who was a true defender and builder of peace. A shameful act committed by people blinded by ideology,” she said in a statement.
Israel launched its Gaza offensive after Hamas terrorists staged a cross border attack on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 people hostage.
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Hamas Says It Agrees to Release All Israeli Hostages Under Trump Gaza Plan
Smoke rises during an Israeli military operation in Gaza City, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, October 2, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas
Hamas said on Friday it had agreed to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal, and signaled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details.