Brooklyn Gang Takedown: 36 Members of WOOO and CHOO Arrested in Intense Territorial Conflict Highlighted by Pop Smoke
DA Eric Gonzalez and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch Announce Indictments After 36 Shootings Throughout the Borough
The streets of Brooklyn are experiencing a significant change in the battle against gun violence. On Wednesday, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch unveiled extensive indictments against 36 individuals associated with two rival street gangs in Brownsville, one of which gained notoriety through mentions by the late rapper Pop Smoke.
The operation focused on individuals associated with the WOOO and CHOO factions, groups that are widely acknowledged as the core elements of the rivalry that characterized the late Pop Smoke’s career and the Brooklyn drill scene.
Prosecutors report that the violent conflict between these factions led to 36 distinct shootings. One man lost his life in these incidents, while ten others were injured, including individuals with no ties to the gangs. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch was forthright in her assessment 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 brutal campaign of revenge and punishment, conducted with complete disregard for human life, transformed every minor offense into a violent confrontation and instilled fear in these communities for years.
The conflict stems from a struggle for dominance over the territory adjacent to neighboring NYCHA housing complexes. Although Pop Smoke is well-known for bringing the “Woo” brand to a global audience, the WOOO (We On Our Own) group involved in this case signifies the particular street alliance that lies at the core of that culture. Investigators discovered that the gangs consist of smaller crews that have come together to execute hits and enhance their status.
The majority of the conflict originated on the internet, where provocations on social media and in music videos intensified, leading to physical confrontations. In numerous instances, gang members ventured straight into opposing neighborhoods to unleash gunfire, with a significant portion of the incidents recorded on video or flaunted on the internet.
Among the most heartbreaking instances detailed in the 188-count indictment is the murder of 34-year-old Tahriq Thompson on June 29, who lost his life near Riverdale Avenue and Osborn Street. Additional incidents involved a shooting in 2023 at a playground where children were present and a separate attack in which a bystander was shot while disposing of trash at a barbershop.
The allegations facing the 16 members of WOOO and the 20 members of CHOO encompass conspiracy to commit murder, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Even with the serious charges, District Attorney Gonzalez emphasized that targeted enforcement is yielding positive results.
“Our emphasis on addressing the root causes of crime, particularly those implicated in this indictment, alongside our collaboration with community organizations on preventative measures, resulted in unprecedented reductions in gun violence in Brooklyn last year, with significant decreases in Brownsville that have persisted into this year.” “I commend the NYPD and our prosecutors for their constant commitment to ensuring the safety of our communities,” Gonzalez stated.
