Coney Island-based gang cuffed for year of shootings and mayhem across Brooklyn: These men were ready for war' | amNewYork

"Dubbed Operation Cyclone, the takedown targeted members of the gangs Fog and Koney Sides, subsets of the 59 Brit Blood based in the community known across the city as the People's Playground. According to Gonzalez, seven people were struck by shootings tied to the gang activity in just over a year's time; four of the victims were bystanders caught in the crossfire. The rampage turned peaceful blocks into battlefields, and not even the inside of homes provided a safe harbor from the havoc."

"The streets of Brooklyn, Gonzalez charged, were effectively turned into a war zone by the gang-bangers. These men were among the most dangerous people that live in our community. What makes this case unique, in my opinion, is that this gang has really enacted violence throughout the county. Typically, in our gang cases, we see shootings that happen in geographic areas, but this gang transported the mayhem throughout Brooklyn, Gonzalez said."

"In one incident, on May 30, 2025, two of the alleged gang members identified as Kristian Blackstock and Christopher Smart marched up to a Canarsie home and opened fire through the window at least 18 times. While nobody was injured, the bullets tore through the hole, leaving wreckage and debris in their path. In another incident, on Nov. 30 last year, a 16-year-old boy was walking to Starbucks on Avenue J and East 16th Street at following a football game when he was caught in the crossfire and was struck in the lower back."

"The bullet shattered his spine, paralyzing him from the neck down. Perhaps most disturbing of all, on April 29, Tyguan Holmes and Tamari Carmona traveled to the Flatbush Gardens Housing Complex territory of rival gang Folk Nation where they were allegedly on the hunt for revenge."

Operation Cyclone targeted members of the Fog and Koney Sides gangs, subsets of the 59 Brit Blood, operating in the People’s Playground area. Seven people were reportedly struck by shootings tied to gang activity in just over a year, including four bystanders caught in crossfire. Violence affected multiple neighborhoods, turning peaceful blocks into battlefields and reaching inside homes. Allegations include an incident on May 30, 2025, when Kristian Blackstock and Christopher Smart fired through a Canarsie home window at least 18 times, causing major damage without injuries. Another incident on Nov. 30 involved a 16-year-old shot while walking to Starbucks after a football game, resulting in paralysis. On April 29, Tyguan Holmes and Tamari Carmona were alleged to have traveled into Flatbush Gardens Housing Complex territory of rival Folk Nation to seek revenge.

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