County attorney Rachel Mitchell is at the center of a public feud with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg over her refusal to extradite alleged killer Raad Almansoori to New York. Mitchell is known for her role in questioning Brett Kavanaugh and his sexual assault accuser Christine Blasey Ford during his 2018 Supreme Court confirmation hearing and has long been focused on sex crimes and crimes against children. She has received praise from both sides of the aisle, but is now facing backlash for her decision regarding Almansoori. Bragg’s office has accused Mitchell of “playing political games” and released data showing Phoenix’s higher violent crime rate. Mitchell has cited concerns about Bragg’s approach to violent criminals as the reason for her decision, stating that she is not casting aspersions on the New York City Police Department and that her sympathy is with the victim’s family in New York. Mitchell has a background in public administration, journalism, and prosecution, and has been recognized for her work in those fields. She currently serves as the Maricopa County attorney in Arizona and is a Republican up for reelection, with a campaign platform that highlights her record “fighting the Biden Administration.” The decision not to extradite Almansoori has been viewed as highly unusual and is seen as political grandstanding by some in New York. Mitchell insists that her decision is based on concerns about the handling of violent criminals in New York and her desire to keep Almansoori in custody to prevent further offenses. Mitchell’s reputation as a professional prosecutor is being tested by the current controversy, according to retired police detective Bill Richardson, who described her as “not seen as overly political” and “no bulls–t.” Despite the criticism, Mitchell has remained firm in her decision and defended her approach.
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Arizona Prosecutor Rachel Mitchell, Who Has Refused to Extradite Alleged Soho Hotel Killer Raad Almansoor
