September 5, 2025 NEW YORK CITY — New York City officials have announced the takedown of a dozen violent gang members, culminating a year-long investigation into rampant crime and indiscriminate violence throughout Queens. The announcement, made by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and Mayor Eric Adams, details a 33-count indictment that includes serious charges like attempted murder, weapons possession, and conspiracy.
The arrests mark a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle against gang violence. According to prosecutors, the indicted individuals, aged 18 to 26, terrorized communities including Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, and Queens Village. Their method of operation included shooting at rival gang members with no regard for innocent bystanders, turning everyday neighborhoods into what Commissioner Tisch described as "war zones."
In a press conference, officials highlighted the scale and brazenness of the gang's activities. A staggering 23 illegal guns were seized during the investigation, including a handgun modified into a semi-automatic weapon. In one particularly chilling incident on Mother's Day, surveillance video reportedly shows a gang member shooting at a rival while standing next to his grandmother, who was in a wheelchair. This horrifying detail underscores the dangerous indifference of the accused.
District Attorney Katz confirmed that the arrests are part of a targeted, continuous effort to dismantle these criminal networks. "As one gang is formed to fill the vacuum that is left by other gangs that are now doing jail time... we'll now go after the ones that are formed as a result of it," she stated.
