Amid efforts to save political face after letting a group of migrants walk after they attacked New York City police officers in Times Square, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Saturday said he is now preparing charges for the migrants.

In a statement reported by CBS News, Bragg said: "Our office continues to work with law enforcement to bring everyone responsible for these heinous attacks to justice.

"It is clear from video and other evidence that some of the most culpable individuals have not yet been identified or arrested, and we are working hand in hand with the NYPD to find and hold them accountable for their despicable acts. We are simultaneously preparing to present charges to the Grand Jury on Tuesday and will update the public as soon as legally permissible. We will not rest until every person who assaulted a police officer in this awful attack is held accountable."

Veteran police officers voiced their frustrations to the New York Post Saturday, stating that Bragg made a mockery of the entire justice system by letting the migrants walk.

"Alvin Bragg," one veteran NYPD detective said, "just showed all New Yorkers that the police department doesn't matter to him. What this does is open the window for all people to say we can beat up cops and nothing is going to happen to us. Thanks, Mr. Bragg."

"I think the cops are fed up," another veteran police officer added. "We talk about it all the time. We're a catch-and-release city. This is a complete joke. We put bad people behind bars to keep the community safe, and they just keep on letting them out. I really don't understand what their agenda is."

Out of the 13 suspects involved in the attack, seven were arrested and charged with assaulting an officer, but only one remains in custody. The others have been released without bail.

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