Hochul criticizes decision to release migrants who attacked NYPD
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the decision was frustrating and that the perpetrators should have been held on bail.
New York Republican lawmakers are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to remove Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg after the recent attack on New York police officers by a group of migrants in the Big Apple.
State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and 19 other senators called on the Democrat governor to remove Bragg, citing the "unconscionable handling" of the NYPD officers by a gang of migrants outside Times Square.
"Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s unconscionable handling of the recent attack on two NYPD officers by a gang of migrants outside a Times Square shelter must be the final straw," the letter reads.
"The public safety of New Yorkers is clearly at risk," it continues.
MANHATTAN DA ALVIN BRAGG REACTS TO ‘HEINOUS’ ATTACKS ON NYPD OFFICERS BY MIGRANTS: ‘DESPICABLE ACTS’
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A spokesperson for Bragg's office defended the embattled DA and pointed to some of his own initiatives.
"As the District Attorney and New York City Police Commissioner clearly stated this weekend, and as Mayor Adams echoed this week, we are working closely with the NYPD to make positive identifications, build our case, and hold those responsible accountable," she told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Shootings and murders are down 38% and 23% in Manhattan since DA Bragg took office, and gun prosecutions are up 20%. We welcome collaboration with the signatories on public safety initiatives such as strengthening our hate and sex crimes laws and investing in mental health initiatives that would prevent crime and save lives."
The letter cited the recent video that shows a group of migrants kicking two NYPD officers before running away.
The GOP lawmakers said it is "inarguable" that the alleged attackers should be in custody, but they were allowed by Bragg's office to "waltz out of court" after they were released without bail.
"Police report that a video capturing the attack shows that as many as twelve men may have been involved in attacking the two officers. It is inarguable that these attackers should have been held in custody," the letter reads. "And yet, as of the date of this letter, seven suspects have been arrested by police and DA Bragg’s office has let six of them waltz out of court after being released without bail."
Left, CCTV footage shows the attack on NYPD officers; right, suspect Jhoan Boada is shown after being released without bail. (NYPD/New York Post)
The lawmakers said the suspects appeared to not have "a care in the world," noting Jhoan Boada, 22, who was seen flipping both middle fingers in an obscene gesture after being released without bail for his alleged involvement in the NYPD assault.
"Several of these individuals were seen laughing and making obscene gestures as they left the courthouse, seeming to have not a care in the world," the lawmakers said.
ILLEGAL MIGRANT FLIPS MIDDLE FINGERS AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH ATTACKING NYPD IN TIMES SQUARE
The Republican lawmakers blasted Bragg, saying he "thumbed his nose" at crime victims, "turned his back" on law enforcement and has "selectively prosecuted criminals."
"From the moment he took office, DA Bragg has thumbed his nose at crime victims, turned his back on the police and has selectively prosecuted criminals for political reasons only," the letter reads. "His incredibly poor judgment is matched only by his unwillingness to take criminals off the streets."
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The group implored Hochul to remove Bragg as district attorney and appoint someone who would "enforce the law and do what is necessary to not only get the criminals off the streets, but also send the message that lawlessness will not be tolerated."
"It is clear that DA Bragg has no interest in prosecuting criminals and no desire to support law enforcement, which in turn, makes New Yorkers less safe," the letter reads. "We need a District Attorney that will enforce the law and do what is necessary to not only get the criminals off the streets, but also send the message that lawlessness will not be tolerated."
NYPD CHIEF BLASTS MIGRANTS' ATTACK ON OFFICERS AS MUGSHOTS OF SUSPECTS RELEASED
"DA Bragg is failing at performing the basic duties of his position, and for the safety of all New Yorkers, you must remove him from the office of Manhattan District Attorney immediately," the letter concludes.
WATCH:
The lawmaker's outrage came after the two officers were attacked on West 42nd Street at around 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 by a group of migrants.
Footage of the attack shows a NYPD officer asking the migrants to move, but a scuffle ensues as the officers try to subdue a person in a yellow jacket to the ground.
One hooded suspect wearing a backpack can then be seen kicking one of the officers twice in the head as he grapples on the ground; another suspect in a red top kicks him in the back.
As the struggle continues, the suspect in the red jacket returns and kicks the other officer in the back.
Kelvin Arocha, 19, Wilson Juarez, 21, Yorman Reveron, 24, and Darwin Gomez Izquiel, 19, are all charged with attacking a pair of New York City police officers. (NYPD)
Another hooded suspect wearing a backpack then arrives on the scene and takes a big swinging kick at one of the officer's heads. The migrant falls to the ground as he tries to execute the kick.
The suspects are then seen running off.
The unidentified officers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene, police said. One officer sustained cuts to the face while the other had bruising to the body, according to sources.
Authorities charged the four suspects this week with a variety of charges, including assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct.
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The attack came as city leaders struggle with how to handle an influx of migrants from Texas as services are strained and as more residents lose patience over how to address the surge.
Gov. Hochul's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
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