Former President Donald Trump visits New York amid wave of violence in bodegas
New York, NY – Former president Donald Trump made a surprise visit to New York this Tuesday, meeting with a group of bodegueros (neighborhood store owners), mostly Dominican, who have been affected by a recent wave of robberies and violence in the city.
During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing criminal trial in Harlem and visited the Blue Moon winery, where a Dominican employee, Jose Alba, was accused of stabbing and killing a man in 2022 during an apparent assault attempt. The charges against Alba were later dismissed after an investigation by the Manhattan tax office.
Trump, who is unofficially running as a Republican candidate for the presidential elections, was greeted by a large group of supporters chanting “We love Trump.” He spoke to the press, emphasizing the importance of strengthening law and order in the city.
The president of the Winery Association and Small Businesses, Francisco Marte, welcomed Trump’s visit and criticized state legislators for their failure to toughen punishment for repeat thieves. He highlighted the importance of bodegas in underserved communities, describing them as the “heart of the community” and a place of socialization for neighbors.
In response to the wave of violence in bodegas, some small merchants have decided to obtain firearms and undergo training to defend themselves against criminals. Trump’s campaign stated that only by undoing soft-on-crime policies in the Democratic Party can law and order be fully restored in all boroughs of New York City.
Bodegas have helped hundreds of immigrants and their families become business owners and achieve the American dream, making them an integral part of the community.
Trump’s visit comes at a crucial time as the city grapples with rising crime rates, and his message resonates with many small business owners who are seeking ways to protect themselves and their businesses in the face of increasing violence.