The New York Police Department (NYPD) has reported that two additional migrants are being sought in connection with the brutal assault of two police officers in Times Square, an incident that was captured on camera.
The department released surveillance images late Wednesday, showing close-ups of two individuals from the mob who are now wanted on assault charges.
One of the suspects, clad in a red hoodie, black pants, and a white baseball cap with sunglasses perched on the brim, is accused of kicking an officer at least three times and throwing a punch, according to law enforcement sources who spoke to CBS New York. The second suspect, seen in a black puffer jacket, blue jeans, and a red baseball hat, was observed kicking an officer before falling to the ground during the attack.
Law enforcement believes that as many as 14 migrants were involved in the violent incident that took place in Times Square on January 27. To date, six men have been charged in connection with the video-recorded assault, with all but one released from jail without bail.
Yohenry Brito, 24, identified by his distinctive neck tattoo, was indicted Tuesday in relation to the incident, although the charges against him remain under seal. Brito also faces unrelated misdemeanor charges stemming from shoplifting. His bail was set at $15,000 cash or $50,000 bond last week.
The other suspects, Darwin Andres Gomez, 19, Kelvin Servita Arocha, 19, Wilson Juarez, 21, Yorman Reveron, 24, and Jhoan Boada, 22, were released following their arraignments. The first four men face charges of assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct. Boada, who is homeless, has been charged with attempted assault on a police officer and gang assault.
The violent incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on January 27 on West 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. An NYPD officer and a lieutenant attempted to disperse a group of migrants when one of the migrants instigated a fight with the officers. Over a dozen other men then attacked the outnumbered officers, kicking and beating them, as seen in the video. The officers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
The decision to release the suspected attackers without bail has sparked significant criticism. "It was a serious felony and bail should have been set," stated New York state Attorney General Letitia James. However, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg defended the decision not to set a monetary bail, stating that his office was still reviewing the footage from the attack to determine each participant's level of involvement. "Hold the right people accountable for the right conduct. This is a bedrock principle of our justice system," Bragg said.
Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters last week that the migrants who attacked the officers should be deported. "Get them all and send them back," Hochul said. "You don't touch our police officers. You don't touch anyone."
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