The streets of Southeast Queens have seen a significant reduction in violence following the indictment of 22 alleged members of the Blitz Gang 4 (BG4). This 97-count indictment marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against gang-related violence in the borough.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz along with Governor Kathy Hochul and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced the indictment on Tuesday. The defendants are accused of a series of violent crimes, including 11 shootings and a stabbing that occurred between 2026 and 2026. The violence left three people wounded, including one man who is now paralyzed.
The Blitz Gang 4 and Their Rivals
The Blitz Gang 4, a subset of the Bloods operated primarily out of the Baisley Park Houses in South Jamaica. Their rivalry with the Floss Money Ballers and other gangs, such as the 5th Clocc escalated into a series of violent confrontations. The indictment details how these gangs engaged in a practice known as “spinning” or “drills,” where they would travel into rival territories to target and shoot at perceived enemies.
The violence reached a boiling point in after the murder of 18-year-old Akim Cisse by Rayvon Philip a reputed BG4 member. This incident further fueled the cycle of retaliation and violence that plagued the community.
Key Incidents and Evidence
The indictment outlines several key incidents that highlight the severity of the gang violence. On December 11, 2026 four defendants stabbed a member of the Floss Money Ballers outside the Queens courthouse leaving the victim severely injured. Another brazen attack occurred on March 30, 2026 when a 15-year-old was ordered by an older gang member to open fire on a street outside a Cambria Heights McDonald’s.
Law enforcement recovered multiple weapons, including a ghost gun during their investigation. The defendants are variously charged with attempted murderweapon possessiongang assaultconspiracy and other crimes. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 8 to 25 years in prison, depending on their role and youthful offender status.
The Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Eight of the 22 defendants were apprehended on Thursday, June 25 while nine were already incarcerated on other matters. Eleven of the defendants were arraigned and remanded, while six received high amounts of bail. Three defendants remain at large.
The joint investigation was conducted by the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau of the Queens District Attorney’s Office, along with detectives from the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division. The coordinated effort highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle violent criminal enterprises and rid neighborhoods of gun and gang violence.
District Attorney Katz emphasized the importance of this takedown in ensuring the safety of the community, particularly as summer begins and schools wind down. “The streets of Queens will be safer this summer,” Katz stated, expressing gratitude to Governor Hochul for providing resources to support their efforts. Governor Hochul reiterated the commitment to public safety, stating, “Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe.”
