Public Safety Alert in Flushing: NYFA Assists Police with Nighttime Community Watch

Recently, a series of serious violent crimes targeting the Asian community have occurred in Flushing, Queens, New York. The severity and impact of these incidents have caused widespread concern and anxiety within the local community.

One of the most alarming cases involved an armed home invasion robbery. Seven suspects forced their way into a residence and, at gunpoint, restrained nine Asian victims inside, including women. In addition to looting the home, the suspects subjected the victims to humiliation, forcing some to undress. Approximately $300,000 in cash and valuables were stolen. The incident has caused severe psychological trauma to the victims and is extremely egregious in nature.

(Footage captured by the victim’s home surveillance cameras during the armed home invasion robbery)

In addition, late night street robberies have occurred in Flushing. In one incident, three suspects suddenly exited a vehicle, robbed a pedestrian, and fled the scene immediately. This type of “quick in-and-out” crime indicates a level of organization and premeditation, posing a serious threat to pedestrian safety during nighttime hours.

(Residential surveillance footage reveals three suspects violently robbing a pedestrian)

These incidents are not isolated. In recent years, Flushing and nearby areas such as Bayside have seen an increase in home invasion robberies and street violence targeting Asians. Criminals often view the Asian community as a “high-risk victim group” perceived to have lower resistance, lower reporting rates, and a higher likelihood of carrying cash, creating long-term public safety concerns.

In response to the worsening public safety situation, the New York Firearms Association (NYFA) Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit has taken formal action to address the community’s urgent safety concerns. The patrol has launched nighttime, non-law-enforcement community patrols carried out by volunteers in a lawful and compliant manner. These efforts focus on increasing visibility, observing suspicious activity, documenting irregularities, and promptly reporting them to the police. The patrol does not replace police functions or exercise any law enforcement authority; rather, it serves as a supplementary bridge between the police and the community to help reduce opportunities for crime.

(Volunteer Mr. Cao (right), who has served for many years with the New York City Department of Correction, and Patrol Team sergeant Mr. Cheng (left))

At the same time, the NYFA Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit continues to maintain communication with law enforcement through official channels such as police community meetings, conveying recent public safety concerns faced by the Chinese community and promoting police community cooperation to improve neighborhood safety. To help fill the gap in nighttime community patrol coverage, many volunteers are full-time workers who contribute their evenings and personal time to community service. It must be emphasized that although many volunteers legally own firearms, they are strictly prohibited from carrying or wearing any personal firearms or weapons during patrol activities. All patrols are conducted in a lawful, restrained, and non-confrontational manner.

(Volunteer Mr. Cheng attending the NYPD 109th Precinct police community meeting on January 14 and engaging in discussions with officers)

(Volunteer Wang Steven (center), a former candidate for New York City Council in the Flushing district)

NYFA urges community residents to remain vigilant, minimize traveling alone at night, and report suspicious situations to the police immediately. Residents are also encouraged to communicate public safety concerns to law enforcement through proper channels. Mr. Cao, a patrol member with many years of experience working in law enforcement, reminds the public that such crimes often occur within a very short time frame, especially in street environments where situations can change rapidly. Even if some residents legally possess firearms, they should not attempt to confront multiple suspects, as doing so may escalate the situation and lead to more serious risk of personal injury. Mr. Cao emphasizes that when facing violent threats or robbery, personal safety should be the top priority. Victims should contact the police as soon as it is safe to do so and cooperate fully with the investigation.

Finally, NYFA reminds the public that regardless of which NYPD precinct one is located in, any crime can be reported to any precinct, and the police are obligated to accept and handle the report. Unless a case involves special jurisdictional issues outside the city, county, or state, residents may follow legal procedures to report crimes, safeguard their rights, and help protect community safety.