Alvin Bragg defends releasing illegal immigrants who beat up NYPD—says video evidence wasn't enough

New York City District Attorney Alvin Bragg defended his decision to release the illegal immigrants who allegedly beat up two NYPD officers, without bail, saying that the video of the attack wasn't enough because authorities could not "conclusively identify each defendant." 

According to reports from CNN, the DA said in a press conference that the group of illegal immigrants could not be held in custody.

"In a court of law," Bragg said, "our profound obligation is to make sure we have right people charged with the right crimes. I don't think New Yorkers want to charge the wrong person." 

"There is a presumption of pre-trial non-incarceration for every case except those with charges of homicide or the death of a victim," he added.  

When reporters chased down Bragg prior to the press conference, he refused to comment or answer any more questions regarding the matter. 

Bragg told reporters that "while the video is shocking and disturbing, in order to secure convictions in a court of law it is essential that we conclusively identify each defendant and specify each person’s participance in the incident." 

The only illegal immigrant that is being held on bail is 24-year-old Yohenry Brito, with $15,000 as the amount. He is accused of starting the fight.  

Even New York Gov. Kathy Hochul disagreed with Bragg and told reporters, "Get them all and send them back." 

"You don’t touch our police officers. You don’t touch anyone.” 

The incident unfolded when two NYPD officers tried to break up a "disorderly group" outside a shelter. When they did so, the group then began to beat them, repeatedly punching and kicking them to the ground. Five of the 6 arrested have been released with some of them reportedly fleeing the state to go to California.