June 2, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A wild shootout on the streets of Queens sent bullets flying into a yeshiva and parked cars.

And in another example of senseless gun violence, an off-duty police officer was shot in a botched carjacking and a defendant pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

These incidents illustrate why we must continue to do everything possible to get illegal guns off our streets.

A man has been charged in the May 1 street shootout that could have killed a student. A youngster was inside a class when a bullet pierced through the window early that morning. The defendant allegedly argued moments earlier with another man, who pursued him as he exited a building near the school and the pair exchanged gunfire.

The defendant who shot at a police officer was sentenced this week to 19 years in prison.

Over the last three years, we have hosted numerous gun buy back events, with citizens turning in operable guns of all kinds with no questions asked.

We will continue working to make Queens the safest place possible to live and work with investigations leading to the arrests of gun runners, as well as focusing on those who manufacture homemade ghost guns -- weapons that cannot be tracked because they have no serial numbers.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
Selected Cases of Interest
  • Far Rockaway man sentenced for attempted murder in off-duty cop shooting
  • Queens man indicted for attempted murder in Far Rockaway street shootout
Flag Raising for Pride Month
I kicked off LGBTQIA+ Pride Month yesterday with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and other elected officials, community members and advocates at Queens Borough Hall. Rainbow flags were displayed for the month-long celebration of Pride. Our diversity is our strength as we celebrate the outstanding contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community in Queens.
Help Solve This Case
If you have information on the death of Justin Rivera, who was killed 14 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.
Community Forum on Impact of Hate
I participated in a community forum on the impact of hate which included a presentation by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and a unique opportunity to hear from a former neo-Nazi.

The program was a great step in understanding crimes motivated by prejudice, and learning how hate impacts our young people.

If you believe you have been a victim of a hate crime, do not hesitate to contact my office. You have a right to report these crimes, no matter your immigration status. The number for the Hate Crimes Bureau is (718) 286-7010.
Student Advisory and Legal Explorers Meet
Our Student Advisory and Legal Explorers youth programs had their final meeting of the school year and it was a valuable learning experience for all.

The youngsters met with members of the FDNY Smart team. Not only did they learn the basics of CPR, they also received hand's on training. The group practiced compressions-only CPR on mannequins. The teens also had a chance to use the life-saving AED (automated external defibrillation) machine.

With summer fast-approaching and beaches and pools open, these are skills that could save a life.
Jewish American Heritage Month
During our inaugural event in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, we honored Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer L. Naiburg, (right of DA in photo) for her long-time service to Queens County and her commitment to bringing justice to those who have been wronged. CADA Naiburg has been a prosecutor since 1993 and has been a trial lawyer, teacher, manager and innovator.

The program, held at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, also acknowledged Rabbi Michael S. Miller, (left of DA in photo) the CEO Emeritus of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, as one of the foremost influential leaders in the Jewish community. And there was a surprise award presented to Michael Nussbaum, who has served in various leadership roles in Queens, including his current position as the president of the Queens Jewish Community Council.
Memorial Day Tributes
Memorial Day is about honoring the many men and women who served and sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. I marched in parades, participated in wreath-laying ceremonies and visited with our communities as we paid homage to veterans who died in service to this country.