Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has taken steps to locate migrants allegedly involved in assaulting two NYPD officers, despite their release without bail.

Bragg announced plans to present evidence to a grand jury regarding the 12 suspects believed to be linked to the incident outside a Times Square shelter on January 27.

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg now says he wants to track down migrants who attacked cops and will present evidence to grand jury to charge them, days after setting them free to flee to California https://t.co/omFo9aVQrA pic.twitter.com/viLnzpEYVR

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 5, 2024

The statement

In a statement released on Saturday, Bragg reiterated his office's commitment to collaborating with law enforcement to ensure accountability for the assailants.

He emphasized the determination to hold every individual responsible for the attack on police officers accountable and pledged relentless efforts until justice is served.

Bragg's pursuit is challenged by reports that four suspects may have fled to California using false identities to obtain bus tickets from a New York-based Catholic charity.

Meanwhile, six suspects have been arrested and charged with robbery and felony assault, with a seventh released due to insufficient evidence, according to police sources.

Defending his decision

Bragg defended the decision to release the suspects, citing the need for conclusive identification to secure convictions in court.

He condemned the assault on police officers, expressing outrage over the appalling behavior captured in video footage.

Among the suspects, Venezuelan national Yohenry Brito, 24, remains detained at Rikers Island on bail. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office justified the bail, citing Brito's positive identification in the video footage, notably due to a distinct tattoo.

The attack

The attack unfolded when officers intervened to disperse a disorderly group in Times Square. Subsequently, a confrontation erupted, with migrants assaulting the officers, resulting in injuries.

Four suspects—Darwin Andres Gomez Izquiel, Kelvin Servat Arocha, Juarez Wilson, and Yorman Reveron—were arrested and charged with various offenses but were subsequently released without bail. Gomez, Arocha, Juarez, and Reveron allegedly provided false identities to a church-affiliated nonprofit assisting migrants.

Another suspect, Jhoan Boada, was also released after being charged, displaying defiance toward the press outside the court. Brito and Jandry Barros, 21, another suspect released due to insufficient evidence, have prior records with law enforcement. Brito faced previous charges of petty larceny, while Barros has a history of involvement with authorities.

The changed response appears likely due to nationwide pressure following the release of the video that revealed the graphic attack by migrants on an American police officer, with citizens demanding justice against the unwarranted violence.