5-9 Brims Gang Member Pleads Guilty in Connection With August 17, 2025 Shooting in Crown Heights

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Timothy Spence pleaded guilty to assault in-aid-of racketeering and a firearms crime related to his involvement in the August 17, 2025 shooting at Taste of the City Lounge in Brooklyn, New York, during which thirteen individuals were shot and three died. Spence, a member of the 5-9 Brims gang, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with assault in-aid-of racketeering in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1959(a)(3), and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Orelia E. Merchant. When sentenced, Spence faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea.

"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," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "As today's guilty plea demonstrates, our Office is committed to prosecuting all gang-related gun violence and holding accountable those who perpetuate it."

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force and the NYPD's Gun Violence Suppression Division for their outstanding work and assistance in this investigation and prosecution.

As set forth in court filings, in the early morning hours of August 17, 2025, Spence was at Taste of the City Lounge, a restaurant and hookah bar in Brooklyn, New York, with members and associates of the 5-9 Brims. Also present at the lounge were individuals associated with the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples (or "GD"), a rival of the 5-9 Brims. At approximately 3:00 a.m., members of the 5-9 Brims began shooting at associates of GD, who returned fire. Spence, who was armed when the shooting began, shot towards a group of individuals affiliated with GD. Within approximately six seconds, over 40 shots were discharged into the crowded bar, killing three and injuring ten.

The government's case is being handled by the Office's Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Dana Rehnquist, Daniel J. Marcus and Molly N. Delaney are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

TIMOTHY SPENCE
Age: 21
Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 26-CR-140 (OEM)