How did NY leaders let gangbangers’ Bronx violence go on for so long?

Law enforcement has recently made a significant breakthrough by cracking down on the notorious 800 YGz gang, also known as the “Young Gunnaz.” This gang, which has terrorized the West Farms neighborhood, was finally brought to justice after years of violence and chaos. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark described how the gang had turned the neighborhood into a shooting gallery, instilling fear and insecurity among the residents.

Mayor Eric Adams, along with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, stood together with Clark to announce charges against 20 members of the gang. Shockingly, half of these individuals were teenagers when they were involved in at least 14 shootings since 2023. The gang members showed a blatant disregard for human life, often engaging in shootouts in public spaces without any concern for the safety of innocent bystanders.

One particularly harrowing incident occurred on April 1, 2023, when members of the 800 YGz gang opened fire across a middle-school playground, sending children running for cover in fear for their lives. The fact that it took two years for charges to be brought against these criminals raises questions about the delay in justice.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that the 800 YGz gang has a total of 38 members, indicating that 18 of them are still at large. This raises concerns about the possibility of continued drug dealing and violence in the neighborhood, as rival gangs may seek to exploit the power vacuum left by the arrests.

In a concerning development, progressive City Council members are pushing to shut down the NYPD’s gang database, citing concerns about racial profiling. However, the reality of the situation is starkly evident in the terrifying images of children fleeing for their lives during the April 1 shooting – the victims are predominantly black and Hispanic. It begs the question of whether it is truly “racial justice” to ignore the plight of these vulnerable communities.

On the legislative front, Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed fixes to the “discovery” rules are facing resistance from lawmakers who are reluctant to make meaningful changes. The no-bail laws and Raise the Age policy, which have inadvertently contributed to gang recruitment and violence among young offenders, remain untouched.

As our lawmakers prioritize their “anti-carceral” agenda, the safety and well-being of our communities, especially our children, continue to be at risk. It is time for concrete action to address the root causes of gang violence and ensure that every resident can feel safe playing outside without the constant threat of gun violence.