Timothy Spence pleaded guilty on June 2 in federal court in Brooklyn to assault in-aid-of racketeering and a firearms crime related to the August 17, 2025, shooting at Taste of the City Lounge in Brooklyn, New York. The incident resulted in thirteen people being shot, three of whom died. Spence, identified as a member of the 5-9 Brims gang, waived indictment and pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Orelia E. Merchant to charges under Title 18, United States Code Sections 1959(a)(3) and 924(c). He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department.
“As part of a gang dispute, Spence and others opened fire in the middle of a crowded bar, leaving three people dead and ten other injured victims,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “As today’s guilty plea demonstrates, our Office is committed to prosecuting all gang-related gun violence and holding accountable those who perpetuate it.”
NYPD Commissioner Tisch said, “The defendant and other members of the 5-9 Brims turned a crowded Brooklyn bar into a war zone when they opened fire on rival gang members, killing three people and injuring 10 others. Today’s guilty plea reflects the NYPD’s relentless pursuit of the violent gang members who wreak havoc in our communities and claim lives. Thank you to the tireless work of our NYPD investigators and our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for holding these dangerous criminals accountable.”
According to court filings presented during proceedings, Spence was present with other members or associates of his gang when an altercation broke out with individuals associated with Folk Nation Gangster Disciples—a rival group—at approximately 3:00 a.m., leading both sides to exchange gunfire inside Taste of the City Lounge. Over forty shots were fired within about six seconds during this confrontation.