‘NYC is not okay’: Internet fumes as police bodycam footage shows brutal migrant mob attack on cops in Times Square

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A mob of over a dozen migrants unleashed a brutal, sudden attack on two New York City police officers in Times Square last month, according to disturbing new footage released this week, as per Daily Mail.

The videos offer an unsettling, up-close look at the January 7 assault, showing how a confrontation over dispersing the unruly group spiraled within seconds into a frenzied beatdown of the outnumbered cops. The footage has set off outrage online as critics say the city has lost control in the face of surging migration and violence.

New body camera footage details brutal assault

Newly-released police body camera footage provides a shocking look into the violent attack on two New York City police officers by a group of migrants in Times Square last month.

The videos show the incident unfolding as officers tried to disperse the group, resulting in a struggle that ultimately ended with over a dozen people descending on the cops in a frenzied assault.

The footage comes from two overhead security cameras and the body cameras of the attacked officers. It offers a disturbing play-by-play of the January 7 attack that left the cops injured.

The videos were made public this week by the Manhattan District Attorney's office as part of an indictment of seven people believed to be involved in the mob attack.

Confrontation between officers and migrants quickly spirals out of control

The videos show officers first asking a noisy group to disperse from their location at 220 West 42nd Street. When one migrant, 24-year-old Yohenry Brito, refuses to leave, Lt Ben Kurian moves to arrest him.

A struggle ensues as officers try to restrain Brito, who manages to wriggle free from his shirt as he tries resisting arrest.

Within seconds, the situation descends into chaos. Over a dozen people descend on the officers, pulling, grabbing and kicking them as they continue trying to restrain Brito. At one point Lt. Kurian can be heard saying "Go arrest those guys" as the attackers flee the scene.

Up to 14 individuals are believed to have participated to some degree in mob attack. Only Brito currently remains in custody, while four others were arrested and quickly released without bail. Two more suspects now face arrest warrants.

The incident has underscored growing tensions over the overwhelming migrant crisis in New York City.

Over 100,000 migrants arrived in the city in 2023 alone, severely taxing resources. Mayor Eric Adams says the city has already spent $4.6 billion on migrant accommodations and services.

Internet reacts to alarming new footage from the Times Square incident

In the wake of the alarming new footage from the Times Square incident, online reactions poured in, reflecting a mix of shock, dismay, and concern.

One X user's blunt assessment succinctly captured the gravity of the situation: "NYC is not okay."

Another commenter drew historical parallels, remarking, "This is going back in time to the 60s where the gangs and mafias ruled America."

A third user sounded a warning about the perceived lack of consequences, stating, "The call went out that there are no consequences. More and worse to come."

The visceral impact of the footage was evident in another response that simply labeled the events as "disturbing."

Echoing a sense of disillusionment, a fifth user lamented, "Man, this country is in ruins."

The prevailing sentiment of unease was further underscored by a sixth user's sobering observation: "Things are very bad now."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.