What you should know
- A group of people, including immigrants, were caught on video attacking two New York City Police officers in Times Square last month.
- So far more than half a dozen people have been arrested in this case. Most were released on bail, sparking outrage among senior police officers and the governor’s office.
- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has defended his decision not to seek bail for several suspects, saying he is proceeding cautiously to ensure the right suspects are identified.
NEW YORK – The four migrants arrested in Arizona by agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) are not the same suspects in the brutal attack against police officers in Times Square on last month, numerous New York law enforcement officials told NBC 4 despite the federal agency’s claim.
The announcement comes just hours after ICE officials issued a statement saying they detained four suspects Monday in Phoenix who were “believed to be fleeing New York State for their alleged involvement in an assault against multiple police department officers.” the City of New York (NYPD)”. Those people will be prosecuted for immigration violations.
New York law enforcement officials say the men in Arizona are Venezuelan; They were traveling under different names and carrying what was believed to be stolen property. But officials stress that they are not believed to be related to the Times Square attack.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had chosen not to request bail for several suspects while his office worked to confirm the identities. The men, who face felony assault and other charges, were free to leave after their arraignment. However, they were asked to return to the city for their next court date scheduled for March 4.
According to authorities, six suspects have been arrested following the beating of the two officers caught on camera. One is being held at Rikers. Police believe at least 13 people were involved.
Bragg’s office was expected to present the case to a grand jury on Tuesday.
Alfredo Acosta updates us from Times Square.
CONTROVERSY OVER RELEASE OF ACCUSED
Multiple sources familiar with the matter said they believe four of those initially arrested and released after court boarded a bus under aliases and headed toward the California-Mexico border.
An official with the New York Office of Judicial Administration said that they “were not aware of the whereabouts of the defendants, but they are required to return to Court on the scheduled dates”; His next court date in New York was scheduled for March 4.
Governor Kathy Hochul has shared harsh words for the arrested migrants.
“Get them all, send them back,” the Democrat said Thursday. “You don’t touch our police officers, you don’t touch anyone.”
The lack of consequences for the suspects has prompted a police reaction.
“Why aren’t they in jail right now? They brutally attacked a police officer and a lieutenant. Our criminal justice system is upside down,” said Police Benevolent Association president Patrick Hendry.
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE DAY OF THE ATTACK
Authorities say the fight caught on camera broke out as police officers were trying to break up a group of immigrants outside a shelter on 42nd Street, steps from the New Amsterdam Theater. Police officials said Thursday that at least 13 people are believed to have been involved in the attack.
Multiple law enforcement sources said it all started when a couple of people approached officers and told them there was a disorderly group, causing trouble.
The police went to check it out and the situation quickly escalated. The video obtained by our sister network NBC New York shows the moments before the beating, when a police officer and a lieutenant were speaking to the group.
When they put their hands on a person, the officers were suddenly surrounded and stumbled across 42nd Street, where the officers fell to the ground, before being kicked, stomped, and punched in the face and head.
A lieutenant suffered a cut to the face. The other agent has wounds on the side of his body.
“I’m shocked by this. The city has had enough,” said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell. “The shame of this is that they are trying to keep this city safe and they are attacked by eight cowards who kick them in the face and throw cheap blows at them.”
Those arrested have been charged with assault or attempted assault on a police officer and group assault. Several are also accused of obstructing government administration.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have not commented on whether they will attempt to detain the defendants in this case. Camille Joseph Varlack, Mayor Adams’ chief of staff, said New York’s sanctuary city status does not prevent police from coordinating with ICE.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Violence in migrant shelters has been a growing problem lately, prompting demands for new quality of life initiatives in certain neighborhoods. The city’s largest shelter is located on Randall’s Island, where a deadly fight broke out earlier this month. Three people were indicted Tuesday in that case.
2024-02-07 15:53:30
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