Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of an indictment against Terry Brooks. The charges include three counts of possessing firearms and ammunition following a felony conviction. These charges stem from a shooting on November 12, 2023, and subsequent seizures of firearms and ammunition in August 2024. U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett is assigned to the case.
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." Podolsky added that despite Brooks possessing unregistered 'ghost guns,' law enforcement was able to apprehend him due to collaborative efforts with HSI and NYPD.
Michael Alfonso from Homeland Security Investigations emphasized the significance of the indictment: "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." He noted that removing Brooks from the streets contributes to making New York City safer.
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch remarked: "This indictment makes one thing clear: Untraceable ghost guns will not be tolerated in our city." She commended the thorough work of NYPD investigators alongside their partners at HSI and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The incident occurred near E. 180th St. and Bathgate Ave., where a bullet fired by Brooks struck a bystander who survived after receiving medical treatment. Surveillance footage helped officers track Brooks back to his hotel room where he stayed during the incident.
Search warrants executed on August 14, 2024, led officers to discover firearms and ammunition linked to Brooks through ballistics testing. On August 21, 2024, officers arrested Brooks at his hotel residence and found another firearm visible on a nightstand.
Brooks faces one count each for possessing ammunition on November 12, 2023; firearms and ammunition on August 14; and again on August 21 in 2024. Each charge carries up to a maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison as determined by Congress.
Podolsky praised both HSI's and NYPD's investigative work in this case handled by Assistant U.S Attorneys Kevin Grossinger and James Mandilk from the General Crimes Unit.