Gov. Kathy Hochul slammed the decision to release a group of immigrants caught on video attacking two NYPD officers near Times Square last month — but said the state’s controversial bail reform was not to blame.
A mob attacked officers in a surprise attack on January 27, but several suspects were released for bailable offences, with one of the accused defiantly giving reporters the middle finger with both hands as he left court.
Some of the accused may have fled to California.
“Some of them, we think, went on the bus,” Hochul said during a Tuesday morning appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”
“They were released because no bail was imposed,” he said. “I am working hard to change bail laws in New York state. The crime is bailable, they have the right to be detained.”
Investigators believe Darwin Andres Gomez, 19, Kelvin Servita Arocha, 19, Wilson Juarez, 21, and Yorman Reveron, 24, gave false names to a church-affiliated nonprofit group that helps immigrants get out of New York City, sources previously told The Postal.
Hochul called it “disappointing” even though new charges may be brought by prosecutors.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she wants immigrants accused of assaulting two NYPD officers to go through the justice system before they are deported. Andrew Schwartz/SplashNews.com
“It should never have happened,” he said. “You don’t touch a police officer anywhere in New York state and get away with it.”
Hochul called on judges, saying they should use their discretion to hold repeat offenders accountable under state bail laws.
“I want judges to arrest people and find out if there’s a history or a pattern here,” he said.
The immigrant, who was released without bail, may have boarded a bus to California, law enforcement sources said. DCPI
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said his office is working with the NYPD to identify those involved and is preparing to present charges to a grand jury Tuesday.
“It is clear from the video and other evidence that some of the most culpable individuals have yet to be identified or arrested, and we are working with the NYPD to find and hold them accountable for their heinous actions,” Bragg said in a statement.
According to Hochul, there was some confusion about who the perpetrators were due to the chaotic situation and involving between six and eight people.
“They want to make sure they have the right people involved, but you can hold these people while you’re still investigating,” Hochul added. “You don’t let them out. You ask for bail, the judge gives it and then you hold people until you know exactly what happened.”
Hochul said the thieves should “serve time” behind bars in the US before they are deported.
The group responsible for the beating will return to court in March. csuarez
“I want them to be prosecuted. I want them convicted. I want them to go to jail, and then we deport them because if we send them back to their country of origin, who knows, whether there will be consequences,” said Hochul.
The group was part of a violent band of robbers moments before the attack.
Shocking video shows a group of about eight people beating a pair of policemen near Times Square. DCPI
The group will return to court on March 4, each facing second-degree assault on a police officer – a bailable offence. If they fail to appear, a warrant can be issued for their arrest.
Three other men were also arrested in connection with the NYPD raid. One person was ordered held on bail – $15,000 cash or $50,000 bond – after prosecutors argued he could be identified in footage of the attack by “distinct tattoos.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
