- New footage of a brawl between police officers and migrants in Times Square has been released, showing chaotic moments and leading to the indictment of six more individuals connected to the altercation.
- The incident occurred when officers approached a group outside a migrant shelter, resulting in the arrest of Yohenry Brito and the involvement of bystanders kicking at officers.
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams has connected the incident to a perceived “crime wave” driven by migrants, although data does not support this claim. The incident is currently under investigation by the district attorney’s office.
Additional Coverage:
- Manhattan prosecutor announces new indictments in Times Square brawl between police and migrants (newsbreak.com)
The release of police body-camera footage has revealed the chaotic moments leading up to a brawl between police officers and a group of migrants in Times Square. The video shows the migrants kicking at officers and trying to prevent them from arresting a man identified as Yohenry Brito. Hours after the video was made public, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the indictment of six additional people involved in the altercation. The incident has sparked backlash and a multiagency search for those responsible.
In the footage, officers can be seen approaching a group standing on the sidewalk outside a migrant shelter, ordering them to move along. As the group disperses, Brito makes an insulting comparison in Spanish, mentioning the show “Ugly Betty.” An officer grabs him by the lapel of his jacket and shoves him into a doorway. Brito resists, prompting officers to tackle him to the ground. Bystanders join the altercation, kicking at the officers and attempting to intervene.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, officers approached the group because they were blocking the sidewalk. Brito lagged behind pushing a stroller but eventually complied with the officers’ demand to leave before the confrontation occurred. In addition to the seven people already indicted, there are at least five additional suspects that police are seeking based on their investigation, which included reviewing body-camera footage.
District Attorney Bragg acknowledged that some of the initially charged individuals may have had a minor role in the incident, and efforts will be made to identify and charge those who actually committed criminal acts. One person previously charged with assaulting police, Wilson Juarez, is now believed to have watched from a distance without participating. He has been charged with tampering with physical evidence. Another person, Kelvin Servita Arocha, allegedly kicked a police radio and is considered an “accessory” to the assault.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has connected the incident to what he calls an “apparent crime wave” driven by the city’s migrant population. However, police and city officials have not provided data to support this claim, and most crime categories have actually decreased since the surge of migrant arrivals began 18 months ago. Mayor Adams has faced criticism for using the Times Square incident for political gain.
Earlier this week, members of the Guardian Angels were seen involved in an altercation in Times Square during a live television interview. The group’s founder, Curtis Sliwa, mistakenly identified the man involved as a migrant. The incident is now under investigation.
District Attorney Bragg described the incident as “disturbing” and stated that his office is investigating the matter.