Times Square Attack: Illegal Alien Gang Members Assault NYPD Officers
A shocking incident in the heart of Times Square has ignited a firestorm of controversy, highlighting concerns about gang violence, sanctuary city policies, and the safety of law enforcement in New York City. On Friday night, a group of alleged Tren de Aragua gang members, including several teenagers, reportedly attacked two NYPD officers responding to a robbery in the bustling tourist hub.
According to police sources, eleven individuals, identified as members of the ultra-violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, were allegedly involved in the brazen assault. Five suspects, all reportedly illegal aliens from Venezuela, have been apprehended in connection with the incident. The youngest suspect is a mere 12 years old. Two of the juveniles were reportedly picked up by their parents, who are also migrants, following the attack. One of the juvenile suspects is being charged as an adult with riot and assault.
The alleged attack involved the group hurling glass bottles, basketballs, and rocks at NYPD officers who were attempting to intervene in a robbery. The incident occurred near the intersection of 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, just a block away from a major boxing match that drew a large crowd to Times Square.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed outrage over the incident, emphasizing the severity of attacking law enforcement. "It’s horrific enough to be a victim of a crime, but when someone openly assaults a police officer, you are attacking our symbol of safety, and it cannot be tolerated," Adams stated during a media briefing. He addressed concerns about the age of the suspects, asserting that accountability is crucial. "People who prey on innocent people must be held accountable. They must be brought to justice," he declared.
The Department of Homeland Security has vowed to pursue the remaining suspects involved in the attack. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that authorities and law enforcement partners would "hunt down these cowards" and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided a detailed account of the incident, describing it as a "targeted attack" that was "planned, deliberate, and carried out with intent." According to Tisch, officers observed a group of approximately 10 to 12 individuals surrounding three others in what appeared to be a "wolfpack-style robbery." When the officers intervened, they were ambushed and pelted with scooters, basketballs, and other makeshift weapons.
Tisch emphasized the swift response of the NYPD, noting that detectives identified the suspected perpetrators, members of Los Diablos de 42, a subset of Tren de Aragua, within hours of the attack. She also pointed out that several of the suspects were listed in the NYPD’s gang database, which facilitated their apprehension.
The incident has reignited the debate over sanctuary city policies and the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Border Czar Tom Homan argued that the attack exemplifies the dangers of sanctuary cities refusing to cooperate with ICE in apprehending dangerous illegal immigrants. "If you’re brazen enough to attack an armed law enforcement officer, you’re much more dangerous to an unarmed civilian," Homan stated.
Commissioner Tisch criticized the city council for "legislating against cops" and attempting to abolish the gang database. She emphasized the importance of the database in identifying and tracking gang members, asserting that its elimination would undermine law enforcement efforts.
The charges against the apprehended suspects include attempted felony assault, inciting a riot, and reckless endangerment. Police sources have confirmed that the young suspects are known to police and have been linked to dozens of robberies in New York since 2022. Despite numerous arrests, they have been repeatedly released back onto the streets.
The NYPD confirmed the arrest of two juveniles, a 16 and 17-year-old, in connection with the alleged crimes. The 16-year-old is charged with obstructing governmental administration, riot, and menacing. The 17-year-old faces more serious charges, including attempted assault on a peace officer, reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration, riot, and criminal possession of a weapon.
An adult suspect, Yeferxon Jose Mijares Hernandez, 19, was taken into custody on Sunday and faces charges of obstructing governmental administration, riot, and attempted assault.
The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three additional suspects involved in the attack. The police statement described the individuals as throwing an umbrella, an unknown object, and attempting to strike an officer with a basketball.
Mayor Adams also criticized the city council for what he perceives as selective outrage towards crime victims, highlighting the recent shooting death of a grandmother in Harlem. He questioned whether elected officials would show the same concern for innocent victims as they would for inmates who commit homicides.
The incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current crime prevention strategies, the consequences for repeat offenders, and the policies that allow individuals linked to violent gangs to remain on the streets. The debate is likely to continue as the investigation unfolds and the remaining suspects are apprehended.
