July 4, 2025 BROOKLYN, NY – In a significant crackdown on gang violence, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the indictment of nine alleged members of a violent Brooklyn street gang. The 68-count indictment links the individuals to ten shootings, including one fatality, painting a grim picture of unchecked aggression in East New York.

Unraveling a Pattern of Violence

The charges, which include second-degree murder, attempted murder, and weapons possession, stem from a long-term investigation by the DA's Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau and the NYPD's Gun Violence Suppression Division. Authorities allege that the R2R gang, primarily operating out of the 75th Precinct, terrorized communities from January 2023 through April 2025.

Among the shocking incidents detailed in the indictment:

• The senseless murder of a 24-year-old man shot and killed in front of a bodega on August 21, 2023. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a gang member pulling out a gun inside the store moments before the fatal shooting.
• The broad daylight shooting of an innocent 68-year-old bystander in October 2023, who was struck in the back.
• A recent shooting on April 20, 2025, on Belmont and Christopher Avenues in Brownsville, where surveillance video captured one defendant "apparently skipping as he's shooting," targeting an individual on a scooter. Disturbingly, an Uber with three passengers and a driver was caught in the crosshairs, with a bullet piercing its windshield and front passenger seat. Miraculously, all occupants escaped unharmed.

"This indictment charges a disturbing pattern of gang violence allegedly committed by a group of young defendants," stated DA Gonzalez. "Their actions endangered entire communities and include the murder of a 24-year-old man and the broad daylight shooting of an innocent 68-year-old woman."

A Drop in Crime, But Challenges Remain

The defendants, who ranged in age from 15 to 20 during the alleged crimes, represent a troubling trend of youth involvement in serious offenses. However, city officials are quick to highlight the impact of such takedowns on overall crime rates.

Commissioner Tisch emphasized the NYPD's aggressive stance: "We have conducted more than 40 gang-related takedowns and removed more 230 illegal guns from our streets. This work is the reason that shootings are down double digits in Brooklyn, and we are not letting up."

Indeed, Brooklyn has seen significant reductions in crime. DA Gonzalez reported that homicides have plunged by 29%, while shootings and shooting victims decreased by 19% and 15% respectively, reaching the lowest numbers recorded at any year's midway point. Total serious felonies also saw an 8% decrease so far this year.

Addressing the Root Causes

Despite these successes, both Gonzalez and Mayor Eric Adams acknowledge that more work is needed to stem the tide of gang violence. Gonzalez expressed a somber reality: "I take no joy in arresting teenagers... they don't care who's around."

Mayor Adams pointed to legislative challenges, stating, "The Raise the Age law that was passed, as well as bail reform have really impacted the ability to have the public safety that the people of this city deserve." In response, his administration is funding Project Restore, a gang violence intervention program aimed at addressing the underlying issues that draw young people into gang life.

Seven of the nine defendants have been arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court, with the hunt continuing for the remaining two. This indictment serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against gang violence in New York City and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to make communities safer.

What more can be done to deter young people from joining gangs in our communities?