Timothy Spence, a member of the 5-9 Brims gang, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Brooklyn to charges related to an August 17, 2025, shooting at the Taste of the City Lounge that left three people dead and ten injured. Spence, 21, admitted to assault in-aid-of racketeering and a firearms crime stemming from the violent incident.
The shooting occurred in the early morning hours when Spence and other 5-9 Brims members opened fire on individuals associated with the rival Folk Nation Gangster Disciples gang at the crowded Brooklyn restaurant and hookah bar. Court filings indicate that Spence, who was armed, shot towards the rival group, contributing to over 40 shots being discharged within approximately six seconds.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York, emphasized the severity of the crime. "As part of a gang dispute, Spence and others opened fire in the middle of a crowded bar, leaving three people dead and ten other injured victims," Nocella said. "As today’s guilty plea demonstrates, our Office is committed to prosecuting all gang-related gun violence and holding accountable those who perpetuate it." NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch added that the plea reflects the NYPD's "relentless pursuit of the violent gang members who wreak havoc in our communities and claim lives."
Spence now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and could receive up to life imprisonment when sentenced. The investigation was a collaborative effort by the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force and the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division.