Manhattan Prosecutors To Expand Hate Crimes Unit, Bragg Says

NEW YORK CITY — Manhattan prosecutors will put a new focus on tackling hate crimes by expanding its dedicated unit, District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Monday.

Currently composed of one chief, two investigators and a handful of assistant D.A.'s, the newly expanded unit would be comprised of nearly a dozen people, including investigators, prosecutors and staff members serving the Asian American-Pacific Islander and LGBTQ communities.

"New Yorkers of all backgrounds deserve to feel safe in Manhattan," Bragg said in a news release.

Across Manhattan, there have been 61 hate crimes reported so far this year — a 49 percent increase compared to the same period in 2021, according to NYPD statistics. Incidents have included a spree of assaults against Asian women in Lower Manhattan last month, for which police ultimately arrested 28-year-old Steven Zajonc.

That statistic also omits some attacks against New Yorkers of color that were not charged as hate crimes — like the January killing of Michelle Go, an Asian woman, at the Times Square subway station.

The expansion appears at least partly contingent on whether the D.A.'s office receives $1.6 million in funding from the city that it is seeking. If funded, the enlarged office would be able to increase "proactive investigations and prosecutions," improve cultural and linguistic competencies and perform specialized training on staff and police officers, according to the D.A.'s office.

"We sincerely hope the expansion of the Hate Crimes Unit will ensure that all those who commit hate crimes will face the consequences," said Raymond Tsang, president of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, in a statement.

The Manhattan D.A.'s office is currently investigating and prosecuting 88 hate crime cases, including 27 against Asians, 25 anti-LGBTQ+ cases, 11 anti-Black cases, 10 anti-Semitic cases and six anti-white cases.