Sixteen alleged teenage gang members from rival East Harlem groups have been arrested and indicted for a series of violent gun-related crimes that plagued the neighborhood for months, the New York Post reports. The suspects, most of whom are under the age of 18, belong to the “LA World” and “Wuski” gangs and are accused of carrying out 21 shootings between March 2024 and February 2025.
These shootings, which represented nearly half of all gun violence in the 23rd Precinct during that period, often occurred in and around public spaces such as sidewalks, playgrounds, and building lobbies. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the situation as turning East Harlem into a “personal battleground,” while Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the reckless disregard for innocent lives shown by the suspects.
The violence escalated following a double homicide on March 24, 2024, when Harry Mendoza, a 25-year-old LA World member, and a 16-year-old girl were fatally shot. In retaliation, an LA World member allegedly fired into a building lobby linked to Wuski gang activity just hours later. This cycle of retribution reportedly fueled further shootings.
Authorities seized 15 illegal firearms during the arrests, including semi-automatic pistols. Eight suspects were apprehended on Tuesday morning, four were already in custody, and four remained at large Tuesday afternoon.
According to The Post, “nine alleged LA World members and seven alleged Wuski members are hit with charges including second-degree conspiracy with the intent to commit Murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The twelve alleged gangmembers in custody were expected to make their first appearances before a Manhattan judge late Tuesday. Their attorneys could not immediately be reached.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the alarming statistic that these 16 individuals were responsible for half of all shootings in the precinct, and he stressed the need to address repeat offenders to ensure public safety.
“Just 16 people accused of 50 percent of an entire precinct’s shootings – let that sink in,” the mayor said. “We have to get the small number of people who repeatedly commit crimes off our streets.”
