Mocobizscene-There is widespread outrage over a recent mob attack on two NYPD officers outside a migrant shelter in Times Square. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has announced that the case will be presented to a grand jury on Tuesday.
In a statement on Saturday, Bragg emphasized that there are still individuals involved in the despicable acts who have not been identified or arrested. The evidence, including videos, clearly points to their culpability. Bragg assured that his office is closely collaborating with the NYPD to locate these individuals and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
“We are currently getting ready to present the charges to the Grand Jury on Tuesday and we will keep the public informed as soon as it is legally allowed. Our determination to hold every individual accountable for assaulting a police officer in this horrific attack is unwavering,” stated Bragg.
Police Commissioner Edward Caban confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing, despite the forthcoming presentation of charges.
“Aiming an attack at a police officer is not just an assault on an individual, but a direct blow to the fabric of our society. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is leaving no stone unturned in its investigation of this incident, where a group of individuals cowardly targeted two uniformed officers who were responsible for safeguarding our community. We are committed to collaborating tirelessly with the Manhattan district attorney’s office in order to apprehend and bring to justice each and every person involved in this reprehensible event,” stated Caban.
According to the police, the assault involved multiple suspects, with at least a dozen individuals believed to be involved. Four suspects were apprehended on the night of the attack, while a fifth suspect was captured two days later. The charges against them include assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct.
According to insiders who spoke to 1010 WINS/WCBS 880, the men who were arrested are from various shelters across the city. It has been revealed that some of them were already involved in previous criminal activities. Additionally, sources mentioned that one of the arrested individuals had an outstanding warrant, while another was connected to a series of robberies.
After their arrests, all five men were released without bail so that the district attorney’s office could determine individual responsibilities. Upon their release, the men provided false names to a faith-based charity and boarded buses headed for California, as reported by multiple sources.
The whereabouts of the suspects after leaving the state and their future appearance in court remain uncertain. It is unknown whether they will return for their scheduled court dates, either later this month or in March. In the event that the defendants fail to show up, the NYPD is ready to issue a bench warrant.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has further fueled the ongoing controversy surrounding the migrant crisis by proposing the deportation of the men involved in the event.
According to reports from the New York Daily News, prosecutors did request bail for a sixth arrestee, 24-year-old Yohenry Brito, the individual whom officers were trying to apprehend before they were assaulted on January 27th.
Brito was requested to be granted bail by the prosecutors due to his previous arrests and his current lack of a permanent address. As of Saturday night, he was reported to still be held at Rikers Island, according to The Daily News.
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