Brooklyn streets are seeing a major shift in the fight against gun violence. On Wednesday, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced sweeping indictments against 36 individuals tied to two rival Brownsville street gangs, one of which was made widely known through references by slain rapper Pop Smoke.
The crackdown targeted members of the WOOO and CHOO factions, groups that many will recognize as the foundational sets behind the rivalry that defined the late Pop Smoke’s career and the Brooklyn drill movement.
According to prosecutors, the bloody rivalry between these groups resulted in 36 separate shootings. These incidents claimed the life of one man and left ten others wounded, including people who had no connection to the gangs. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch didn’t hold back when describing the nature of these crimes: “The indictments announced today are the culmination of a long-term investigation into some of the most violent criminals in New York City. Their vicious campaign of retaliation and retribution, waged with absolutely no regard for human life, turned every slight into a shootout and terrorized these communities for years.
The conflict is rooted in a battle for control over territory surrounding neighboring NYCHA housing complexes. While Pop Smoke famously popularized the “Woo” brand globally, the WOOO (We On Our Own) group charged in this case represents the specific street alliance at the heart of that culture. Investigators found that the gangs are comprised of smaller crews that unified to carry out hits and boost their status.
Much of the friction began online, where taunts on social media and in music videos escalated into physical attacks. In many cases, gang members traveled directly into rival neighborhoods to open fire, with much of the activity caught on camera or boasted about online.
One of the most tragic moments highlighted in the 188-count indictment was the June 29 murder of 34-year-old Tahriq Thompson, who was killed near Riverdale Avenue and Osborn Street. Other incidents included a 2023 shooting at a playground where children were playing and a separate attack where a bystander was shot while taking out the trash at a barbershop.
The charges against the 16 WOOO members and 20 CHOO members include conspiracy to commit murder, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Despite the heavy charges, District Attorney Gonzalez noted that focused enforcement is making a difference.
“Our success in focusing on the drivers of crime, such as those charged in this indictment, while also working with community groups on preventative efforts, led to record low gun violence in Brooklyn last year, with major declines in Brownsville that continued into this year. I commend the NYPD and our prosecutors for their tireless work in keeping our communities safe,” Gonzalez said.
