A judge in Arizona delivered a blow to George Soros-backed Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg this week after refusing to extradite a murder suspect to New York City.
Raad Almansoori (Credit: public domain)
During a hearing, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell argued against sending murder suspect Raad Almansoori, 26, back to Bragg’s jurisdiction after the suspect was accused of beating a woman to death at a Manhattan hotel.
Mitchell argued that Bragg does not have a good reputation for treating violent suspects too well. Court Commissioner Barbara Spencer ruled in favor of Mitchell, which dealt a huge blow to Bragg, the Washington Examiner reported.
“Nothing can happen on the fugitive case other than there could be what’s called a governor’s directive, which is the document that would hold you instead of the governor’s warrant, or you would choose to sign a waiver,” Spencer told Almansoori in court, KSAZ-TV reported.
Bragg immediately responded, claiming that his priority was the pursuit of justice. “Seeking justice for victims and survivors is our priority at the Manhattan D.A.’s Office,” said a spokesperson for the DA’s office, the New York Post reported.
“We do not stand on ceremony but prioritize the integrity of the process,” they continued. “We are proceeding as we do in every case involving an out-of-state arrest: following the facts and the law to ensure justice is served.”
Prosecutors in Manhattan can still petition Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) to override the judge’s ruling and agree to extradite Almansoori.
Mitchell made waves when she subtly criticized Bragg for what some perceived as his lenient approach to violent criminals. It served as the basis for her decision not to extradite Almansoori, who allegedly fled to Arizona following the murder of Denisse Oleas-Arancibia, 38.
“Having observed the treatment of violent criminals in the New York area by the Manhattan D.A. there, Alvin Bragg,” Mitchell told reporters last month. “I think it’s safer to keep him here and keep him in custody so that he cannot be out doing this to individuals either in our state, county or anywhere in the United States.” (Read more: Conservative Brief, 6/04/2024) (Archive)