An Arizona state prosecutor refused to extradite a man accused of murdering a woman in New York, blaming Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s “treatment of violent criminals.”

The Details: Raad Almansoori is charged with the murder of Denisse Oleas-Arancibia in a Manhattan hotel room. He was arrested in Arizona for two separate stabbings on Feb. 18, after which he confessed to the New York crime, leading New York law enforcement to press for his transfer. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell declined this request, blaming Bragg's allegedly lax approach to the violent perpetrators.

Key Quotes: Mitchell told reporters Wednesday, “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.” Emily Tuttle, a spokesperson for Bragg’s office, accused Mitchell of “playing political games in a murder investigation.”

For Context: Bragg, a progressive DA, has faced backlash for his criminal justice reforms, particularly his push to reduce pretrial incarceration. Critics contend his measures do not effectively punish violent crime, while supporters argue they address systemic racial and economic inequities.

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum linked the dispute to Republicans’ anger regarding Bragg’s criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump. The Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) focused on criticisms of Bragg’s management and highlighted local and national Republican officials’ disdain for his office’s supposed laxity. The Daily Beast (Left bias) emphasized the response from Bragg’s office. This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.