What to Know
- A group of people, migrants among them, were caught on video attacking two NYPD officers in Times Square last month
- At least a half-dozen people have been arrested so far; most were released on bail, sparking outrage among police brass and the governor's office
- Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg has defended his decision to not request bail for several suspects, saying he was proceeding cautiously to ensure the proper suspects are identified. His office was expected to present the case to a grand jury Tuesday
New York law enforcement officials say the four men in ICE custody in Arizona are not the same four men believed to be involved in last month's attack on NYPD officers in Times Square, despite the federal agency's claim.
The Manhattan district attorney's office put out a statement Wednesday stating the detainees were not connected.
“The Manhattan D.A.’s Office was informed yesterday by HSI that the four individuals they took into custody were not affiliated with the New York City investigation," the statement said. "To date, we have not received any indication from federal authorities that they have detained anyone related to our case."
The development comes hours after ICE released a statement saying it picked up four suspects Monday in Phoenix who were "...believed to be fleeing the state of New York from their suspected involvement in a coordinated assault on multiple New York City Police Department (NYPD) Officers."
An ICE spokesperson said they'll be processed for immigration violations.
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New York law enforcement officials say the men in Arizona are Venezuelan; they were traveling under assumed names, and carrying what was believed to be stolen property on them. But the officials stress they are not thought to be connected to the Times Square attack.
Local
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had opted not to request bail for several suspects as his office worked to confirm identities. The men, who face felony assault and other charges, were thus free to leave after their arraignments. They were, however, required to return to the city for their next scheduled court date on March 4.
According to authorities, six suspects have been arrested following the caught-on-camera beating of the two officers. One is being held at Rikers. Police think at least 13 people were involved.
Bragg's office had been expected to present the case to a grand jury on Tuesday.
