NEW YORK CITY - Seven migrants who assaulted two New York City police officers have been indicted, the Manhattan District Attorney confirmed on Thursday. Two other people are being searched for in connection with the attacks, and police released suspect pictures to contribute to the endeavor.
"The assault on our police officers in Times Square outraged and sickened me," said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. "We have absolutely no tolerance for this despicable behavior. Our joint investigation with the NYPD helped us determine the alleged roles of new individuals involved, including some who are charged with having committed the most violent conduct and have not yet been apprehended."
The incident has dominated the conversation around the city after images showed a group of men kicking and punching two NYPD officers as, according to police, the officers were trying to disperse a disorderly crowd.
The men have been identified. They are Yorman Reveron, 24; Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19; Kelvin Servita Arocha, 19; Wilson Juarez, 21; and Jhoan Boada, 22. They were initially arrested and charged with assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.
The defendants face felony charges that carry a penalty of up to seven years, said a police spokesperson. The two other men arrested are Yohenry Brito, 24, and Jandry Barros, 21, who were were arrested on charges of robbery and felony assault. Brito is also being held on charges of obstruction and evidence tampering.
According to ABC 7, almost all of the people lived in city-run shelters for migrants, claiming at some point to be seeking asylum.
Following the attack, New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for the deportation of the men. "Get them all and send them back," said Hochul when asked about the reported migrants arrested in connection to the attack. "You don't touch our police officers. You don't touch anybody."
"If someone commits a crime against a police officer in the state of New York and they're not here legally, definitely worth checking into," said Hochul.
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