Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of an indictment against Terry Brooks. Brooks is charged with three counts related to possessing firearms and ammunition following a felony conviction. The charges stem from a shooting incident on November 12, 2023, in the Bronx, and subsequent seizures of firearms and ammunition on August 14 and August 21, 2024. The case will be heard by U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky, "As alleged, on November 12, 2023, while on a public sidewalk in the Bronx, Terry Brooks reached into his waistband, pulled out a gun, and began shooting. Brooks missed his target but struck a nearby bystander, causing serious injury." He further stated that despite Brooks possessing privately manufactured "ghost guns," law enforcement successfully apprehended him.
Michael Alfonso from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) emphasized the effectiveness of their task force: "The defendant’s indictment today underscores the HSI New York El Dorado Task Force’s ability to aggressively pursue investigative leads in whatever forms they take."
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch remarked on the significance of removing ghost guns from the streets: "This indictment makes one thing clear: Untraceable ghost guns will not be tolerated in our city."
The incident involved Brooks firing a weapon near E. 180th St. and Bathgate Ave., striking a bystander who survived after receiving medical treatment. Surveillance footage helped officers trace Brooks back to a hotel room he was staying in at that time.
Search warrants executed at locations linked to Brooks revealed firearms and ammunition close to personal items bearing his name. Ballistics confirmed that shell casings found at the crime scene matched one of the recovered ghost guns.
Brooks was arrested on August 21, 2024, at the same hotel where he had stayed during the shooting night. Officers discovered another firearm in plain view during his arrest.
Brooks faces charges for possessing ammunition and firearms across three separate dates—November 12, 2023; August 14, 2024; and August 21, 2024—with each count carrying up to a maximum sentence of fifteen years imprisonment.
Podolsky praised HSI and NYPD's investigative efforts in this case being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Grossinger and James Mandilk from the General Crimes Unit.
