Police have arrested 22 alleged gang members in a major crackdown on violent crime across Brooklyn and Manhattan, linking them to 26 shootings since October 2022. The arrests follow a years-long investigation by the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney's office.
Shootings and Seizures
Prosecutors say the suspects are responsible for at least 26 shootings, resulting in one death and more than 20 injuries, including three innocent bystanders. During the operation, authorities seized 56 guns. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stated that 17 of the 22 suspects have personally fired a weapon, with some doing so multiple times.
Celebrating Violence
Shocking CCTV footage obtained by the NYPD shows a January 2025 shooting of a 16-year-old boy in an East New York grocery store. Gonzalez described a video recorded by the alleged shooter in a getaway car, where the suspects celebrated the attack. "They're singing and rapping and celebrating the shooting; they had a successful hunt. Four guys in the car, all armed, all celebrating that they think they've just killed a 16-year-old boy in the grocery store," he said.
Sweet 16 Mass Shooting
Another incident involved a mass shooting at a Sweet 16 birthday party, where six teenagers were injured. Surveillance footage shows alleged gang members firing more than 20 rounds into the crowd. The district attorney's office has zeroed in on this small group, which they say is responsible for 60% of gun violence in the borough.
Official Reactions
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the police effort: "This is your third major takedown just in a few months, so unbelievable, unbelievable work that's being done here. And this, the 22 dangerous criminals who've committed horrible crimes." Gonzalez added that the suspects are proud of their actions, seeking credit for shootings to boost their gang's reputation against rivals.
Charges Filed
The suspected gang members are charged in a conspiracy indictment that includes murder, attempted murder, and criminal weapons possession. The investigation continues as authorities aim to reduce gang-related violence in New York City.
