Times Square Melee: Seven People Indicted in Connection to Clash between Migrants and NYPD Officers
In a joint press conference held on Thursday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, along with the mayor and police officials, announced that seven individuals have been indicted in connection to the Times Square melee that took place between a group of migrants and NYPD officers. The incident, which occurred on January 27, has sparked controversy and misinformation, leading to a meticulous investigation by authorities.
The felony indictment, unsealed in Manhattan Supreme Court, charges four asylum seekers – Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, Kelvin Servita Arocha, Yorman Reveronm, and Yoherny Brito – with second-degree assault and obstructing governmental administration. Another migrant, Wilson Juarez, faces charges of tampering with physical evidence and hindering prosecution. Brito, who has been in custody on Rikers Island, also faces additional charges of tampering with physical evidence and hindering prosecution.
The grand jury’s indictment follows an extensive review of the case by the District Attorney’s office and the NYPD. Bragg emphasized the importance of ensuring a meticulous investigation to avoid ensnaring innocent people in the criminal justice system. He refuted claims that federal authorities had arrested suspects out of state, stating that there was no indication of federal involvement in the case.
The incident involved a confrontation outside a migrant shelter in Times Square. Initially, law enforcement statements suggested that 14 people were believed to be involved. However, Bragg clarified that there were 11 people involved, including Jhoan Boada, a 22-year-old who has been charged but not yet indicted.
Surveillance footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspects. Some of the individuals changed their clothes after the altercation, making it more challenging for investigators to track them down. Despite this obstacle, authorities managed to apprehend Gomez-Izquiel, Reveron, Juarez, and Arocha on the night of the incident. All of them were later released under supervision after their arraignments. Brito, on the other hand, fled and was arrested by the police on January 31. He has been held at Rikers Island since February 1.
The clash between the migrants and NYPD officers unfolded when two officers instructed the group to move away from the shelter. Brito resisted their instructions and was pushed against the building. Allegedly, he put up a fight when he was knocked to the sidewalk. Gomez-Izquiel then grabbed one of the officers and kicked another, while Reveron grabbed, pulled, and threw the two officers to the ground.
Juarez and Arocha were not directly involved in assaulting the officers. Arocha allegedly kicked one of the officer’s radios, while Juarez watched from the sidelines and provided Brito with a jacket as a disguise. Fortunately, neither of the officers suffered serious injuries during the altercation.
The handling of the case by the District Attorney’s office faced criticism from police unions and right-wing groups. Assistant prosecutors declined to seek bail for all of the initial suspects except Brito. Some Republicans and right-leaning elected officials called for Bragg’s removal from office and for the suspects to be deported.
However, Mayor Adams commended Bragg and the Police Department for their sophisticated approach to the case. He urged New Yorkers to respect the process and trust in proper investigation rather than endorsing vigilantism. Adams emphasized that the pursuit of justice applies to all individuals, whether they are longstanding New Yorkers or new arrivals.
While this incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns, it is essential to remember that the overwhelming majority of migrants and asylum seekers are law-abiding individuals pursuing the American Dream. The indictment of these seven individuals demonstrates that authorities are committed to holding those who commit crimes accountable, regardless of their background or immigration status.
