D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment For Shooting Of Innocent Bystander At Mexican Day Parade

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JOEL NIEVES, 35, for allegedly firing multiple gunshots during the Mexican Day parade and hitting a 17-year-old innocent bystander in September 2025. NIEVES is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Assault in the First Degree; and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. [1]

"This alleged shooting occurred in the middle of a busy intersection and threatened the safety of countless bystanders," said District Attorney Bragg. "It is incredibly fortunate that additional people were not injured, and I wish the victim a full recovery from her injuries."

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on September 21, 2025, NIEVES was with a group of individuals at the Mexican Day Parade. At approximately 4:50 p.m., NIEVES and his group got into an argument with other individuals, which turned into a physical altercation.

The groups eventually separated, until they saw each other again near East 27th Street and Park Avenue South. NIEVES displayed a gun and fired multiple shots in the direction of the crowd and struck at 17-year-old female bystander in the shoulder and chest. NIEVES attempted to flee but was arrested by the NYPD near the scene.

The victim was rushed to a hospital and treated for a collapsed lung. She spent several days in the hospital before being released.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant D.A.s Stephanie Ritter and Patrick Riley, under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Kavita Bovell and Timothy Duda (Trial Bureau 50 Deputy Bureau Chiefs), and Jessica Lynn (Chief of Trial Bureau 50), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Senior Investigative Analyst Lia Dewar and Trial Preparation Assistants Ellie Asher, Amanda Warner, and Helen Zhang are providing valuable assistance in the case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Michael Omerza of the 13th Precinct and Detective Brian McCarthy of the Manhattan South Homicide Squad.

Defendant Information:

JOEL NIEVES

Bronx, New York

Convicted:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.