NEW YORK, NY — Former President Donald Trump visited a bodega in Manhattan on Tuesday, which drew significant attention due to its connection to a controversial self-defense case involving a bodega worker, Jose Alba. The visit came shortly after Trump attended court proceedings in New York, marking a poignant moment as he addressed crime and public safety concerns.
Trump said if he is going to be in New York City every day in court, he’ll make the most of his time and campaign in the city. He’s now confident he can make a play for and win New York in November.
He was met by dozens of screaming fans and supporters as he discredited President Joe Biden, the U.S. Justice Department, The NYC District Attorney’s Office and others he claimed conspiring in a plot to commit election interference.
During his visit, Trump met with Maad Ahmed, the co-owner of the Sanaa Convenient Store, and other small business advocates. This bodega had been the site where Alba was involved in a fatal altercation in 2022, which led to widespread media coverage and debates over self-defense laws and the actions of the Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg. Alba, who was initially charged with murder, was later cleared, but the case had already sparked significant public discourse and legal scrutiny.
Trump’s remarks at the bodega emphasized his campaign against what he perceives as soft-on-crime policies by Democratic officials. He pointed to the need for stronger law enforcement and the protection of small businesses like bodegas, which he described as crucial to underserved communities. The visit highlighted his continued focus on law and order as a central theme of his political messaging.
The event also resonated with Trump’s supporters, who gathered at the scene chanting support for his potential re-election, reflecting his ongoing influence in certain voter segments.