Acting no more.
Eric Gonzalez – the former assistant district attorney who has been filling in since the sudden death of former DA Ken Thompson in October, 2016 – was officially sworn in as the 33rd district attorney of Brooklyn on Sunday, January 21 at The Weylin, 173 Broadway.
Gonzalez, who began his legal career in 1995, has already implemented his own trailblazing initiatives (like new bail reform and immigration policy), following in the footsteps of his late predecessor, who made a career out of breaking the mold and is perhaps most known for working diligently to reverse wrongful convictions.
New York State Chief Judge Janet DiFiore administered the oath of office and remarks were delivered by such distinguished guests as Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Public Advocate Letitia James, among others.
The ceremony was hosted by award-winning actor, Marine combat veteran, singer, filmmaker and philanthropist J.W. Cortés – a Sunset Park native – and featured musical selections by salsa musician and social activist Willie Colón and the Praise Team of Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Gonzalez won the general election in November in a landslide, after defeating five other candidates in the Democratic primary.
He is the first Latino to be elected DA.