April 8, 2022
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week, President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of Justice issued a thoughtful, new rule to rein in the proliferation of “ghost guns.” These are personally-made, fully functional, and virtually untraceable firearms that are assembled by purchasing unserialized parts on the internet. The weapons are also increasingly being recovered at crime scenes all over the country.

The federal government will now mandate licenses for the manufacturers and the sellers, require background checks for the buyers, and outlaw components without serial numbers, bringing the laws concerning ghost guns in line with existing laws for commercially made firearms.

President Biden's common sense regulation will help keep us safe and allow for greater accountability if these weapons are used to wreak havoc on our communities.

My Office has worked tirelessly to rid Queens County of ghost guns and dismantle what we are calling the "polymer pipeline." Our efforts have resulted in seven takedowns in the past eight months, including the largest seizure of illegal ghost gun kits in New York State to date.

I commend the efforts of the Biden administration on gun safety.
In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
In The Courts
  • Queens grand jury indicts woman for murder for stabbing death of immigration lawyer in Flushing
  • Queens man sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in stabbing death of woman
Tools To Combat Hate Crimes
Hate crimes have no place anywhere and certainly not in Queens, the most diverse county in the nation, where our differences are our strength. Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature showed great leadership in providing the tools and resources to combat hate crimes as part of this year's budget.

I was proud to join the Governor, state lawmakers, faith-leaders, and community leaders at Queens College this week as the Governor announced a significant investment towards safety and security.
Subway Shooting
I stand with every New Yorker in extending my sincere gratitude to our law enforcement officials, heroic first responders, and witnesses for coming together so swiftly in the face of tragedy this week.

We were all relieved to learn that the suspect in the subway shooting that seriously injured dozens of commuters was captured without incident on Wednesday.

The NYPD is still asking the public for information as they continue their investigation. If you were on the N train during the shooting, you are urged to contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS.
Gun Buyback Program
As a reminder, next Saturday, April 23rd, surrender an operable firearm and receive a $200 bank card AND an iPad, with absolutely no questions asked.

Where: Praise Tabernacle Church in Jamaica
When: 10 AM - 4 PM

View additional details below and help us spread the word!
Information Wanted
As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the death of Sofia Vale, found dead in the trunk of a car in Jamaica, Queens. She was last seen alive on April 9, 1995 near her home in the Bronx.

This week marked 27 years since her confirmed death and our quest for justice continues unabated. Help us by contacting NYPD Crimestoppers via 800.577.8477 or the online form. All tips are confidential.
Passover Food Distribution
In preparation for Passover, Tomchei Shabbos and the Met Council sponsored a food distribution to serve more than 400 Queens families last week.

Programs like this, where we make sure that all members of our community have what they need to enjoy Passover, goes to the heart of what this holiday represents.

On behalf of my family to yours, I wish you peace and blessings this Passover season. Chag Pesach Sameach!
Ramadan Iftar
I was delighted to join the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association for a Ramadan Iftar with community members and local business leaders.

I took the opportunity to remind attendees that my Office is here to help if their local business, clients, or workers find themselves the victim of a crime. We provide dedicated services available to ensure that everyone who lives and works in Queens County remains safe from predatory scammers, fraudulent schemes, and real estate cons. Call 718-286-6673 if you need help.

I continue to wish everyone a safe and blessed Ramadan.
Easter Sunday
Happy Easter to all of our friends and neighbors celebrating this weekend! May your festivities be filled with happiness, prosperity and loved ones.

I hope this special day of renewal brings new smiles and positivity in your life.