Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell is standing firm in her decision not to extradite 26-year-old career criminal Raad Almansoori to New York City. Mitchell cited concerns over Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg's perceived leniency towards dangerous criminals as the reason for her refusal. Almansoori is wanted for the alleged murder of a sex worker in New York and also stands accused of stabbing two women in Arizona. Mitchell expressed her priority of putting victims first and ensuring that Almansoori remains in custody to prevent further victimization.

Despite pushback from Bragg's office, calling her decision "deeply disturbing" and accusing her of playing political games, Mitchell emphasized the seriousness of the crimes committed by Almansoori and her commitment to keeping him in custody in Arizona. She argues that the state has every right to prosecute the case first and secure a prison sentence before considering extradition to New York City.

Almansoori's arrest in Arizona followed previous charges of kidnapping and sexual assault in Florida. Mitchell stressed the severity of his offenses and the mandatory prison sentences he faces in Arizona. She clarified that while they are not ruling out his prosecution in New York, Arizona intends to prioritize their case first.

Furthermore, Mitchell highlighted that collaboration with the NYPD in the investigation was acknowledged, but she underscored the importance of ensuring Almansoori's continued custody in Arizona. The accused could potentially face up to 21 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder charges. This decision sets the stage for a legal battle between Arizona and New York City over the extradition of the accused murderer.

The ongoing debate between Mitchell and Bragg raises questions about the balance between justice for victims and law enforcement approaches towards criminal cases, highlighting the complexities of working across state jurisdictions in high-profile criminal investigations.