New York City District Attorney Alvin Bragg explained his decision not to detain several suspects arrested after pummeling two NYPD officers. The individuals in question were released without bail, a choice that has sparked widespread criticism.
The incident occurred outside a local shelter where NYPD officers attempted to disperse a disorderly group, leading to an assault that left officers injured. Initial footage led to the detention of six individuals, reportedly illegal immigrants.
Bragg, in his statement, underscored the importance of due process, emphasizing that the available video evidence did not unequivocally identify the participants involved in the assault.
“Our profound obligation is to ensure that we charge the right people with the right crimes,” Bragg stated, highlighting the presumptive stance against pre-trial incarceration, barring extreme cases such as homicide.
The exception in this case applies to 24-year-old Yohenry Brito, accused of instigating the violent encounter. Brito currently remains in custody with bail set at $15,000.
Bragg’s decision has faced criticism, including from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who explicitly expressed her disapproval, advocating for stringent action against the attackers, “You don’t touch our police officers. You don’t touch anyone,” Hochul remarked.