Community leaders condemn threat against Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg amid Trump investigation
NEW YORK -- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been harassed and threatened for investigating Donald Trump.
On Monday, local leaders stood together to speak out against the dangerous rhetoric.
Nearly two dozen lawmakers and community members stood together outside the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building on 125th Street.
"We're here to push back on the threats against a son of Harlem," Rep. Adriano Espaillat said.
Bragg has received threats, including a death threat letter containing a powdery substance, which turned out to be harmless.
"These threats are dangerous, but they're not just dangerous, they're actually a crime," City Councilmember Julie Menin said.
READ MORE: Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg saw case against Trump as potentially "charge ready" years ago
Former President Trump posted on social media that any criminal charge against him could lead to "potential death and destruction," and recently deleted a picture of himself holding a baseball bat next to a photo of Bragg.
"I think that was an ill-advised post that one of his social media people put up," said Joe Tacopina, Trump's lawyer.
Trump also called Bragg an "animal."
"We stand strong! No racism. They need to stop it," said Iesha Sekou, founder and CEO of Street Corner Resources, Inc.
The group gathered Monday asked that everyone respect the legal process.
"Let him follow the facts and whatever they are, that's what they'll be, but we will not be taking the bullying," district leader Hila Solomon said.
But House Republicans are calling on Bragg to testify before Congress and turn over documents related to the investigation.
"He's investigating a presidential candidate, not to mention a former president of the United States. That has no business being litigated in a local district attorney's office," said Rep. James Comer of the Oversight Committee.
READ MORE: Manhattan DA's office says House GOP demands for testimony would interfere in Trump probe
Bragg has said it's not appropriate for Congress to interfere.
"I think members of the Republican Party should call him out. They tout to be the party of law and order, so this is a grand jury proceeding," Espaillat said.
Nearly 200 former prosecutors have condemned efforts to intimidate the district attorney.
A prayer vigil for Bragg's safety was also held Saturday in Harlem, led by the Rev. Al Sharpton.