Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. has been appointed the new co-chair of Prosecutors Against Gun Violence (PAGV), an independent, bipartisan coalition of 50 prosecutors from across the U.S. Bragg will join forces with current co-chair Zach Klein, the Columbus City Attorney, to aggressively address the nation's gun violence epidemic. He steps in to replace former co-chair, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, who concluded her term after serving since September 2021, according to the press release.
Since taking office in 2022, D.A. Bragg’s efforts have contributed to a 36% reduction in shootings and a similar decrease in homicides in Manhattan, as of Sunday. Bragg serves as Co-Chair of Prosecutors Against Gun Violence, a nationwide bipartisan group of prosecutors focused on finding practical solutions to address gun violence and improve public safety.
Bragg’s co-chair, Klein, highlighted the need for coordinated efforts amid the weakening of firearm restrictions by courts in several states, including Ohio. Klein stated that prosecutors and law enforcement have an important role in removing illegal guns and violent offenders from the streets.
Their collaborative agenda focuses on addressing interstate gun trafficking, the proliferation of ghost and 3D-printed guns, and encouraging corporate responsibility among gun manufacturers and retailers. D.A. Bragg’s office has advocated for stricter legislation on 3D-printed firearms and worked with the private sector to remove online blueprints that enable their production. His predecessor, Darcel Clark, noted Bragg’s work in prosecution, advocacy, and legislation related to gun violence and stated that he will serve Prosecutors Against Gun Violence (PAGV).
Bragg's prior roles include being a state and federal prosecutor and the Chief Deputy Attorney General in New York. His comprehensive strategy towards gun violence marries enforcement with community outreach and partnership with entities like the NYPD.
