Despite recent NYPD statistics revealing a decrease in serious crimes like shootings, murders, and robberies in the first half of the year, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg admits to personal anxieties about subway safety.

In a recent interview with FOX 5 New York, Bragg attributed the positive crime trends to consistent communication and collaborative investigations between his office and law enforcement. He highlighted long-term investigations, including wiretaps and targeted enforcement, as key factors contributing to the decline. Data shows a 24% drop in shootings and a 3% decrease in murders. Overall major crime in the subway system is also down 4.4% compared to the same period last year.

However, Bragg acknowledged a recent uptick in transit crime, with an 18.2% increase last month compared to the previous year. This rise, coupled with personal experiences, contributes to his unease. "I know the statistics show transit crime is down," Bragg stated, "but when one of my family members gets on the train, I, too, get a knot in my stomach."

While acknowledging the encouraging trends and the positive impact of ongoing efforts, Bragg emphasized the need for continued work. "I live here, I’m raising my family here, so we have a lot more work to do," he commented.

Bragg's tenure as Manhattan DA has been marked by both praise for his reform-minded approach and criticism for perceived leniency in certain cases. His "Day One" memo, outlining a policy to downgrade certain felonies like commercial robberies, drew particular scrutiny, especially amidst a backdrop of rising crime rates at the time.