A group of teenagers as young as 14 years old allegedly carried out a series of violent shootings in the South Bronx over the course of nearly a year, according to law enforcement officials. The suspects, primarily eighth and ninth graders, are accused of targeting rival gangs while also injuring bystanders, prompting a crackdown announced Monday by Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and New York Police Department leadership.

Nineteen individuals were arrested in connection with the violence, which officials said occurred between May 2025 and late April 2026. Ten of those taken into custody belonged to a gang known as “McKillville,” which operated out of the McKinley Houses public housing development. The remaining nine suspects were affiliated with three other gangs with ongoing conflicts against McKillville, authorities said.

Tyreik “Tubby” Seth, 28, was identified as the alleged ringleader of McKillville and faces charges including conspiracy. He was found in possession of a loaded, defaced 9-millimeter pistol when arrested on June 23 near 801 E. 161st Street. Other suspects face charges ranging from attempted murder and assault to criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Officials described the defendants as young boys who were encouraged by older gang members to commit violent acts as a means to advance within their organizations. “These defendants were 14 to 17-year-old boys urged on by men to elevate themselves in the gangs by committing attempted murders and assaults,” Clark stated. She added that innocent residents suffered the consequences, with four bystanders wounded, one critically.

The shootings often targeted rival gangs but frequently endangered nearby community members. One such incident in September resulted in two bystanders being struck outside their home—a woman was shot in the abdomen and required surgery, while a man was grazed. Authorities also noted that suspects shared weapons, coordinated attacks via text messages, and boasted about their activities on social media platforms like Instagram.

Law enforcement highlighted that some suspects used Citibikes purchased through stolen credit cards as a mode of swift escape after shootings. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the violence and the defendants’ apparent pride in their acts. “These defendants turned communities in the South Bronx into their own violent playground by shooting at rivals, injuring four innocent bystanders, and placing New Yorkers at risk while shamelessly taking credit for it on social media,” she said.

The recent arrests were part of “Operation Red Zone,” a collaborative effort between the Bronx District Attorney’s office and the NYPD aimed at combating gun violence in the area. Officials emphasized the need to address the underlying trauma that fuels such behavior while holding those responsible accountable for the harm inflicted on the community.