NEW YORK — In the second major gang bust in just two weeks, the NYPD and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the arrest of over a dozen gang members tied to violent crimes, including murder, in Brooklyn. The operation is part of a broader effort to reduce gun violence and criminal activity across New York City.
Operation Baywatch: Key Details
The latest takedown, known as Operation Baywatch, led to the arrest of 14 alleged members of the 59 Brims and Bloodhound Brims street gangs. The two-year investigation culminated in:
- A 129-count indictment
- Connections to 19 shooting incidents
- Nine injured victims, including innocent bystanders
- The seizure of 18 illegal firearms
Gang Activity and Recent Crimes
Surveillance footage captured gang-related shootings over the past few years, including incidents on Brooklyn streets, in apartment building lobbies, and on the Coney Island boardwalk.
- Officials say the violence included the killing of a rival gang member and multiple incidents where bystanders were caught in the crossfire.
“These takedowns are significant because they target the shooters and those directly responsible for the violence,” said Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez.
Recent Success Against Gang Violence
This takedown follows another major bust last week, in which NYPD officers, along with Queens DA Melinda Katz, arrested members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and seized 34 firearms.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reiterated the department’s commitment to holding violent offenders accountable:
“If you pull a trigger in New York City, the NYPD will find you. We will arrest you, and you will face justice,” Tisch said.
Sources of Illegal Firearms
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny highlighted the role of illegal firearms in the city’s violence:
- Many of the guns are trafficked from Southern states and Midwestern regions.
- Authorities are working to trace the sources of the influx and disrupt illegal gun trafficking routes.
Controversy Over Criminal Group Database
The arrests were facilitated by the NYPD’s criminal group database, which played a key role in connecting the crimes and identifying suspects.
- However, the database has come under fire from the New York City Council, which has called for its abolition, arguing that it is racially discriminatory.
Despite this, law enforcement officials have defended its use, emphasizing its role in solving violent crimes and protecting public safety.
A Safer Brooklyn
Brooklyn DA Gonzalez stated that despite the challenges, the city is making progress:
“We are starting 2025 on the heels of the safest year in the history of Brooklyn, in terms of gun violence.”
With continued operations like Operation Baywatch, the city aims to maintain this trend while addressing concerns about youth involvement and illegal firearms.
The NYPD’s ongoing efforts to crack down on gang violence reflect a city-wide push to curb gun crime and ensure public safety. However, the debate over law enforcement tactics and community trust will continue as New York navigates complex issues surrounding crime prevention and civil rights.
