Tuesday, October 6, 2026

NYPD ANNOUNCES FEWEST SHOOTING INCIDENTS, SHOOTING VICTIMS, AND MURDERS IN RECORDED HISTORY FOR FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2026 AND THIRD QUARTER

 

Major Crime Declined Nearly 7% Citywide Year to Date with Reductions in Every Borough

Historic Crime Reductions in Public Housing with Fewest Murders, Shooting Incidents, Shooting Victims, and Robberies Year to Date

846 Fewer People Shot This Year Compared to Just Five Years Ago

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that the NYPD delivered the fewest shooting incidents, shooting victims, and murders in recorded history for the first nine months of the year and in the third quarter.

Year to date, there were 489 shooting incidents, beating the previous record of 553 set in 2025. There were 594 shooting victims, beating the previous record of 694 set in 2018 and 2025, and there were 203 murders, beating the previous record of 215 set in 2017. Compared to 2021, 846 fewer people have been shot so far this year.

During the third quarter of 2026, there were 167 shooting incidents, beating the previous record of 216 set in 2025. There were 213 shooting victims, beating the previous record of 283 set in 2018, and there were 73 murders, beating the previous record of 79 set in 2017.

Major crime declined 9.4% (30,319 vs. 33,471) in the third quarter, and 6.6% (86,023 vs. 92,057) citywide so far this year with reductions in all five boroughs. The Bronx led the way with an 11.9% (20,751 vs. 23,545) decline compared to last year.

Since the start of the year, the NYPD has delivered historic lows across major crime categories in public housing, including murders, down 33.3% (16 vs. 24); shooting incidents, down 35.5% (71 vs. 110); shooting victims, down 38.6% (78 vs. 127); and robberies, down 18.5% (529 vs. 649).

“The NYPD delivered the fewest shooting incidents, shooting victims, and murders for the first nine months of any year in recorded history,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “These reductions were achieved by the men and women of the New York City Police Department who bravely carried out our precision policing strategy. They did it while keeping this city safe through an unprecedented number of major events with monumental operational demands. New York City gave the NYPD an extraordinary test this year, and our cops answered it with historic results.”

“Over the first nine months of this year, New York City recorded the fewest murders, shooting incidents, and shooting victims in our city’s history, while major crime fell across the five boroughs,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “I thank Police Commissioner Tisch, and the members of the NYPD, who continue to devote themselves to the work of devising and implementing strategies that keep New Yorkers safe. I am also grateful for our violence interrupters and crisis management teams for their efforts to tackle violence at its root cause. Together, we will build on this progress by continuing to invest in approaches that prevent crime and keep every New Yorker safe.”

Historic Lows in Shootings and Murders

Murders, shooting incidents, and shooting victims fell to the lowest levels in recorded history year to date and in the third quarter.

First Nine Months of 2026:

  • Shooting incidents fell by 11.6% (489 vs. 553), 64 fewer than the previous record set in 2025. Brooklyn and Queens recorded their fewest shooting incidents ever for the first nine months of the year with 159 and 61, respectively.
  • Shooting victims fell by 14.4% (594 vs. 694), 100 fewer shooting victims than the previous record set in 2018 and in 2025. Compared to just five years ago, 846 fewer New Yorkers were shot this year than over the same time period in 2021. Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens each recorded the fewest shooting victims ever for this point in the year, with 201 in Brooklyn, 78 in Manhattan, and 69 in Queens.
  • Murders fell by 19.8% (203 vs. 253), 12 fewer murders than the previous record of 215 set in 2017. This year, murders were down in four of the five boroughs with Brooklyn and Manhattan both recording their fewest murders with 57 and 24, respectively.

Third Quarter:

  • Shooting incidents fell by 22.7% (167 vs. 216), 49 fewer shooting incidents than the previous record set in 2025. Shooting incidents decreased by double-digit percentages in all five boroughs, with new records lows in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
  • Shooting victims fell by 28.3% (213 vs. 297), 70 fewer shooting victims than the previous record of 283 set in 2018.
  • Murders fell by 19.8% (73 vs. 91), six fewer murders than the previous record of 79 set in 2017.

Since the beginning of 2026, the NYPD has removed 4,100 guns from New York City streets with 1,127 seized in Brooklyn, 1,003 seized in Manhattan, 970 seized in the Bronx, 778 seized in Queens, and 222 seized on Staten Island. A total of 257 of these guns were ghost guns — unserialized and untraceable firearms that only exist to evade law enforcement and gun laws, often ending up in the hands of criminals.

In addition, NYPD detectives have carried out 25 gang-related takedowns this year, contributing to the NYPD's efforts to identify the drivers of violence, remove illegal guns from city streets, and drive down shooting incidents.

Driving Down Major Crime

Major crime decreased by 6.6% (86,023 vs. 92,057) for the first nine months of the year with 6,034 fewer reported crimes compared to the same period in 2025. This is the largest year to date reduction in crime in the last 17 years. Major crime declined in all five boroughs with the Bronx continuing to lead the city with an 11.9% (20,751 vs. 23,545) reduction in major crime so far this year. During the third quarter, major crime citywide was down 9.4% (30,319 vs. 33,471).

Additionally, across major crime categories:

  • Burglary declined 13.7% (8,316 vs. 9,636) year to date with declines in all five boroughs, and 11.7% (2,892 vs. 3,277) for the third quarter, the fewest burglaries for the third quarter in recorded history. Brooklyn and Queens both recorded their lowest burglary totals ever year to date. There were 907 fewer residential burglaries so far this year, down 18% (4,132 vs. 5,039) compared to last year.
  • Robbery declined 12.2% (10,080 vs. 11,478) citywide year to date and 13.6% (3,653 vs. 4,230) for the third quarter.
  • Grand larceny declined 5.8% (33,939 vs. 36,033) year to date and 10.2% (12,071 vs. 13,447) for the third quarter. Reductions in grand larcenies are significant as these crimes account for nearly 40% of all major crimes, the largest major crime category in New York City.
  • Auto theft declined 12.4% (9,110 vs. 10,394) year to date, driven by a 27% (2,451 vs. 3,377) decrease in the Bronx, marking a major reversal from last year, when the Bronx was the only borough in the city to see auto theft increase. For the quarter, auto theft declined 17.1% (3,255 vs. 3,927). This turnaround reflects the work of the NYPD’s dedicated auto larceny and auto crime teams, who have led a series of major investigations to take down crews responsible for organized vehicle theft across the city.
  • Felony assault increased slightly, up 0.2% (22,781 vs. 22,726) year to date, an increase of 55 incidents. Incidents of domestic violence account for 40% (9,181) of the felony assaults citywide, and 10.8% (2,467) of felony assaults are assaults on police officers and other public service workers. The slight increase in felony assaults is driven in part by an increase in assaults on police officers and other public service workers, which are up 7.7% (2,470 vs. 2,294) so far this year. The NYPD has made arrests on 78% of all felony assault cases in 2026, and so far this year, 320 unique individuals have been arrested three or more times for felony assaults — a 213.7% (320 vs. 102) increase compared to the same period in 2018.
  • Rape increased 3.7% (1,594 vs. 1,537) year to date, with 25% (398) of all rapes reported this year involving crimes that occurred in prior years, indicating survivors are coming forward to report sexual violence that previously went unreported. In September 2024, legislative changes enacted through the Rape is Rape Act rightfully broadened the legal definition of rape in New York State to include additional forms of sexual assault. Of the crimes reported this year, 26% (171) fall under the expanded definition of rape created by the Rape is Rape Act. For the third quarter, rape slightly decreased 0.2% (526 vs. 527). The NYPD urges survivors to come forward and report these crimes.

In addition, retail theft continued its dramatic decline, falling 12.4% (34,974 vs. 39,912), or nearly 5,000 fewer incidents compared to last year, with decreases in all five boroughs. The decline reflects the department’s focused approach to addressing retail theft: identifying crime patterns, deploying resources at high-propensity locations during peak hours, and shifting from pass-through enforcement to sustained investigations.

Historic Crime Reductions in Public Housing Continues

The NYPD continues to deliver historic crime reductions in public housing developments across the city, breaking the record for the fewest murders, shooting incidents, shooting victims, and robberies for the first nine months of the year.

Year to date, murders in public housing were down 33.3% (16 vs. 24), with eight fewer murders than the previous record set in 2025. Shooting incidents were down 35.5% (71 vs. 110), with 39 fewer shooting incidents than the previous record set in 2025; shooting victims were down 38.6% (78 vs. 127), with 49 fewer shooting victims than the previous record set in 2025; and robberies were down 18.5% (529 vs. 649), beating the previous record of 587 set in 2021. In the third quarter, shooting incidents and shooting victims were both cut nearly in half (23 vs. 43) and (28 vs. 53), respectively.

Major crime in public housing was down 6.5% (4,139 vs. 4,429) year to date and 5.2% (1,444 vs. 1,523) for the third quarter. Burglary in public housing was down in four of the five boroughs year to date.

Keeping New York City’s Subways Safe

Major crime across the city’s vast transit system is up slightly so far this year, up 0.9% (1,628 vs. 1,613), an increase of 15 crimes compared to 2025 and up 3% (519 vs. 504) in the third quarter. Year to date, 2026 is the second safest year in the transit system in the last 15 years, excluding the pandemic.

Felony assaults and nonviolent grand larcenies are driving the crime in transit, accounting for 30.7% (499) and 49.3% (803) of all transit crime year to date, respectively. Felony assaults on NYPD officers accounted for 23.2% (116) and felony assaults on MTA employees accounted for 8.4% (42) of all total felony assaults for the year. Nonviolent grand larcenies were mostly driven by thefts of unattended items, which saw an 18.4% (238 vs. 201) increase over last year.

Of the 734 people arrested for major crimes in the subway system so far this year, 53.6% of them, or 394 individuals, have been arrested at least three times before, and 214 of them have been arrested three or more times in 2026 alone.

Other major crime categories were driven to record lows in the subway system. There were 302 robberies year to date, tying the record set in 2025, and 84 robberies in the third quarter, beating the previous record low of 102 in 2025. Year to date, there were 803 grand larcenies, beating the previous record of 827 in 2023, excluding pandemic years. The NYPD made 51-gun arrests in the transit system this year, the highest on record.

Safety Enforcement on Our Roads

To further mitigate violent crime and shootings across the city, the NYPD implemented its Summer Violence Reduction Plan from May 4 through September 14 — deploying officers in the times and locations where violence and disorder are most concentrated and likely to occur. During those 19 weeks, major crime declined 20.7% (1,894 vs. 2,388), shooting incidents declined 29.1% (56 vs. 79), shooting victims declined 26.7% (77 vs. 105), and robberies were down 29.1% (454 vs. 640) in the zones during deployment hours. Major crime was down in four of the five boroughs in the zones during deployment hours with Staten Island remaining flat. The greatest reduction was driven in the Bronx, down 30.5% (700 vs. 1,007).

Data-Driven Deployment: Violence Reduction Zones

To further mitigate violent crime and shootings across the city, the NYPD implemented its Summer Violence Reduction Plan from May 4 through September 14 — deploying officers in the times and locations where violence and disorder are most concentrated and likely to occur. During those 19 weeks, major crime declined 20.7% (1,894 vs. 2,388), shooting incidents declined 29.1% (56 vs. 79), shooting victims declined 26.7% (77 vs. 105), and robberies were down 29.1% (454 vs. 640) in the zones during deployment hours. Major crime was down in four of the five boroughs in the zones during deployment hours with Staten Island remaining flat. The greatest reduction was driven in the Bronx, down 30.5% (700 vs. 1,007).

Building on last year’s success in driving down major crimes around schools, the NYPD launched Youth Violence Safety Zones for the new school year beginning on September 10. Between September 10 and September 30, there was a 57.9% (16 vs. 38) decrease in youth-related crime and zero youth involved shooting incidents within the Youth Violence Safety Zones during deployment hours so far this school year.

Combating Hate Crimes

The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force (HCTF) investigates allegations of hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents. After an incident is flagged as a possible hate crime, the HCTF investigates and determines, in consultation with the NYPD Legal Bureau, whether it constitutes a hate crime under New York State law. If an incident is deemed a hate crime under the law, it will be categorized as a confirmed hate crime. The NYPD provides data on confirmed hate crimes along with all reported hate crimes regardless of whether they are ultimately confirmed as hate crimes by the HCTF. The disclosure of both sets of numbers enhances transparency and reflects best practices in hate crime reporting.

Year to date, the number of confirmed hate crimes increased by 12.9% (463 vs. 410), with 53 more confirmed hate crime incidents compared to last year. More than half of the confirmed hate crimes year to date, or 52.9%, were anti-Jewish hate crimes, despite Jewish New Yorkers making up approximately 10% of the city’s population. During the first nine months of this year, anti-Jewish hate crimes increased 1.2% (245 vs. 242).

For the quarter, the number of confirmed hate crimes increased by 12.6% (125 vs. 111). There were 181 incidents reported as hate crimes for the quarter. Anti-Jewish hate crimes decreased 13.2% (59 vs. 68) during this period and accounted for nearly half of all confirmed hate crimes (47.2%).

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.*

Major Crime Statistics: YTD (Jan. 1 – Sept. 30)

Crime20262025+/-% Change
Murder203253-50-19.8%
Rape1,5941,537573.7%
Robbery10,08011,478-1,398-12.2%
Felony Assault22,78122,726550.2%
Burglary8,3169,636-1,320-13.7%
Grand Larceny33,93936,033-2,094-5.8%
Grand Larceny Auto9,11010,394-1,284-12.4%
TOTAL86,02392,057-6,034-6.6%

Major Crime Statistics: Q3 (July 1 – Sept. 30)

CrimeQ3 2026Q3 2025+/-% Change
Murder7391-18-19.8%
Rape526527-1-0.2%
Robbery3,6534,230-577-13.6%
Felony Assault7,8497,972-123-1.5%
Burglary2,8923,277-385-11.7%
Grand Larceny12,07113,447-1,376-10.2%
Grand Larceny Auto3,2553,927-672-17.1%
TOTAL30,31933,471-3,152-9.4%

Additional Statistics: YTD (Jan. 1 – Sept. 30)


20262025+/-% Change
Transit
1,6281,613150.9%
Housing
4,1394,429-290-6.5%
Shooting Incidents
489553-64-11.6%

Additional Statistics: Q3 (July 1 – Sept. 30)


Q3 2026Q3 2025+/-% Change
Transit
519504153.0%
Housing
1,4441,523-79-5.2%
Shooting Incidents
167216-49-22.7%

Confirmed Hate Crimes: YTD (Jan. 1 – Sept. 30)

Motivation20262025+/-% Change
Age
101***
Asian
1613323.1%
Black
3136-5-13.9%
Ethnicity
1316-3-18.8%
Gender
20911122.2%
Hispanic
116583.3%
Jewish
24524231.2%
Muslim
32181477.8%
Religion
37271037%
Sexual Orientation
52341852.9%
White
59-4-44.4%
TOTAL
4634105312.9%

Confirmed Hate Crimes: Q3 (July 1 – Sept. 30)

MotivationQ3 2026Q3 2025+/-% Change
Asian
514400%
Black
712-5-41.7%
Ethnicity
74375%
Gender
725250%
Hispanic
1100%
Jewish
5968-9-13.2%
Muslim
1147175%
Religion
1028400%
Sexual Orientation
1513215.4%
White
34-1-25%
TOTAL
1251111412.6%

Reported Hate Crimes: Q3 (July 1 – Sept. 30)

MotivationReported
Asian8
Black13
Ethnicity8
Gender12
Hispanic2
Jewish85
Muslim14
Religion11
Sexual Orientation24
White4
TOTAL181

Governor Hochul and Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Ryan Highlight New York’s Nation-Leading Moratorium on Hyperscale Data Center Construction


Governor and Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Ryan Hold Roundtable in Dutchess County With Farmers and Community Stakeholders To Discuss Impacts of Potential Data Center Development

Governor Highlighted Key Policies from Data Center Moratorium and AI Safety Regulations


Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pat Ryan today toured Fishkill Farms, a family-owned, multigenerational farm in East Fishkill, Dutchess County and held a roundtable discussion with several local farmers, advocates and businesses to discuss the impacts of hyperscale data centers. Today’s discussion highlighted New York’s nation-leading moratorium on hyperscale data center construction, which is helping to protect local communities amid concerns over water and land use, energy costs, and proposed data center development, including in East Fishkill.

New York State is experiencing an unprecedented surge in proposals for data center development driven by artificial intelligence and other computing operations that could require massive amounts of energy and water to run and cool thousands of computer servers. This summer, Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order hitting pause on new hyperscale data center development. This action has temporarily paused discretionary State environmental permits for up to one year in order to build a regulatory framework that will protect ratepayers, the environment, the energy grid and communities across the state. By pausing discretionary state environmental permits for new hyperscale data center construction for up to one year and imposing strict new rules that hold data center developers accountable and ensure benefits for local residents, Governor Hochul’s moratorium is addressing the ongoing concerns being raised by communities statewide.

“As artificial intelligence grows more powerful and transforms our world as we know it, I’m standing up for New York’s farmers, small businesses and families — ensuring they aren’t left behind,” Governor Hochul said. “I enacted a nation-leading data center moratorium to protect our communities and hold developers accountable because I believe New Yorkers deserve a say in the decisions that affect their future. I’m proud to stand with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pat Ryan as we deliver a government that’s committed to fighting for working families across New York.”


Mayor Mamdani Announces Fall Festivals and Halloween Events at Parks and Recreation Centers Across all Five Boroughs


New Yorkers of all ages can enjoy free pumpkin patches, haunted houses, arts and crafts, games, music, recreation activities and more throughout October     

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Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura are inviting New Yorkers of all ages to celebrate the season with a series of free, family-friendly fall festivals and Halloween events across the five boroughs. Throughout October, recreation centers and parks will transform into festive fall destinations featuring haunted houses, pumpkin patches, obstacle courses, face-painting, seasonal crafts, music, games and more.  

  

Spooky season is officially taking over New York City. Last week, Mayor Mamdani announced the return of the beloved Trick-or-Streets, with a record 160 car-free Open Streets and plazas across the five boroughs set to host Halloween and fall celebrations throughout October.  

  

“It’s no trick: spooky season is taking over parks and recreation centers across our city this month,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We’re bringing free, family-friendly fun to every corner of New York City, and there’s something for everyone: from haunted houses and pumpkin patches to Mad Science demonstrations and arts and crafts. This is what it looks like to build a city that recognizes play and joy as a public good.” 

  

“Fall is one of the best times of year to get outside and enjoy everything our parks and recreation centers have to offer,” said Parks Commissioner Shimamura. “These free events give New Yorkers of all ages the opportunity to celebrate the season with their neighbors, whether they’re decorating pumpkins, navigating a haunted house, enjoying music and games or simply spending time together outdoors. We look forward to welcoming New Yorkers to these special celebrations across all five boroughs.”   

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Manhattan: Hallowscream Fright Walk and Fall Festival  

Fright Walk: Friday, October 16, 4 – 7 p.m. 

Fall Festival and Fright Walk: Saturday, October 17, 12 – 3 p.m. 

J. Hood Wright Recreation Center and Park  

  

Families can enjoy Hallowscream, a two-day haunted house featuring elaborate sets, themed rooms and costumed characters. On Saturday, the event will also feature a family-friendly fall festival with a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, arts and crafts, jumbo games and other seasonal activities.  

  

The event typically attracts up to 1,400 attendees. The haunted house will continue indoors in the event of rain, while the outdoor festival will be rescheduled as needed.   

  

Registration is required. 

  

Saturday, October 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center   

  

Families can enjoy pumpkin decorating, autumn-themed arts and crafts, carnival games, face painting, a Mad Science demonstration, a pumpkin patch, a pumpkin-weight guessing contest with prizes and a dog costume parade.  

  

The event is expected to welcome approximately 600 attendees. In the event of rain, it will be rescheduled for October 24. 

  

Registration is not required. 

  

Staten Island: Ocean Breeze Fall Festival   

Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.   

Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex    

  

Families can enjoy a pumpkin patch, DJ, food trucks, arts and crafts, inflatables, interactive games, rides and entertainment. The festival will also feature the Ocean Breeze Youth Cross Country Spooktacular, a fall competition for young athletes ages 7–17.  

  

The event typically attracts more than 1,500 attendees and will move indoors in the event of rain.   

  

Registration is not required. 

  

Friday, October 30, 3 – 7 p.m. 

Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center   

  

Families can enjoy a spooky carnival, haunted house, arts and crafts, games, music, pumpkin decorating and costume and dance contests. The event is part of HalloWeek, a weeklong celebration with activities including karaoke, a pool movie, silent disco and additional haunted house programming.  

  

In the event of rain, the Hallow Gala will move indoors. 

  

Registration is not required. 

  

Friday, October 30, 4 – 8 p.m.   

Bowne Park Field House 

  

Families can enjoy a pumpkin patch, seasonal arts and crafts, active games, inflatables, popcorn and Halloween-themed music before the indoor haunted maze opens for those ready for a spooky challenge.  

  

In the event of rain, the haunted house will continue as scheduled, while the outdoor festival will be moved to November 1.  

  

Registration is not required. 

  

Visit the NYC Parks website for more information on fall festivals and events. 


Former Federal Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the Federal Government of Approximately $194 Million

 

Scheme Included the Fraudulent Acquisition of Tens of Millions of Dollars in Gold Bars and Luxury Properties in Florida

David J. Rush, 49, of Ashburn, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to executing a scheme to defraud the federal government relating to the misuse of his government position, resulting in a loss of approximately $194 million.

“Federal employees are entrusted with serving the American people, not themselves,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Trump Administration is committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, including by prosecuting those who foolishly defraud American taxpayers.”

“Following an internal investigation that identified potential crimes, CIA immediately referred this matter to the FBI,” said CIA Director John Ratcliffe. “David Rush abused his position and betrayed the public trust and should be held fully accountable for his actions. We appreciate our law enforcement partners in the FBI and Department of Justice for securing this outcome. The Agency is committed to ensuring that those entrusted with our Nation’s secrets are held to the absolute highest standard.”

“By his own admission, David Rush defrauded the government of hundreds of millions of dollars, and then misused those funds for extravagant purchases,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Rush betrayed his oath, his co-workers, and the American people and he will now face justice for his actions. This plea demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to protecting the public’s trust; and that no government position, security clearance, or access to government resources places anyone above the law.”

“Our Intelligence Community must have the trust of the American people to operate effectively in a Nation committed to transparency and the rule of law,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Rush repeatedly betrayed that trust. He defrauded the United States out of approximately $194 million in real estate, jewelry, and other valuable property, including 298 gold bars. Worse, his self-serving actions threatened to erode public confidence in the intelligence services that must strive in secret to keep America safe. Thankfully, the efforts of the Department of Justice, its partners in law enforcement, and the Intelligence Community exposed Rush’s crimes. Today’s plea marks an important step in bringing Rush to justice.”

“The United States entrusted Davis Rush with the resources to protect our nation and its people, and for sheer avarice he chose to betray that trust for personal enrichment,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Theophani K. Stamos for the Eastern District of Virginia. “He robbed his country, not just of its treasury, but also of its faith. This office is committed to prosecuting those who undermine the security of the United States.”

According to court documents, Rush was employed in a senior executive-level position with a federal agency and held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. He reached that position, in part, by lying about his education and military experience. Rush used his position of extraordinary public trust to create fictitious government authorities – including a fabricated Special Access Program – to obtain U.S. government funds for his personal benefit. Once he received the funds, Rush acquired gold bars and directed approximately $145 million in wire transfers that he ultimately used to purchase luxury real estate, watches, and at least one car. As a result of his scheme, Rush fraudulently obtained approximately $193,590,400 in U.S. government funds.   

Cash and gold bars recovered in search of Rush's residence

Cash and gold bars recovered in search of Rush's residence

On May 19, 2026, the FBI searched Rush’s residence and recovered 298 gold bars, approximately $2,106,550 in cash, €104,795, and numerous luxury watches. Rush had obtained the gold bars at an approximate cost to the government of $46 million. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Rush has agreed to forfeit the gold bars and currency found at his home, the fraudulently obtained properties, 30 watches (many of which were Rolexes), and two 2026 BMW Alpina vehicles, at least one of which is valued at approximately $172,000. 

Rush is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2027. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, forfeiture, restitution, and a fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Kevin C. Hakala and Kathryn D. DeMarco of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raizza K. Ty, Gavin R. Tisdale, and Anthony T. Aminoff for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Department of Justice’s investigation is continuing. The Director of National Intelligence​ has requested that the Inspector General for the Intelligence Community initiate an investigation. 

D.A. Bragg Announces New Charges Against Attorney Ryan Hemphill For Predatory Sexual Assault Of 7th Woman

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of attorney RYAN HEMPHILL, 44, for allegedly repeatedly violently raping a woman over the course of 7 hours in his midtown apartment in the spring of 2024. He is charged in a 41-count New York State Supreme Court indictment with 9 counts of Predatory Sexual Assault, as well as numerous counts of Rape in the First and Third Degree, Aggravated Sexual Assault in the First Degree, and Assault in the Second Degree, among other charges. [1]

These charges follow HEMPHILL’s previously announced 116-count indictment for the alleged predatory sexual assault of six other women between October 2024 and March 2025 in his apartment. The survivor in today’s indictment came forward to the D.A.’s Office after learning of the earlier allegations.  

“The conduct alleged in this indictment is absolutely horrific,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I am grateful for this survivor’s bravery in coming forward, despite the defendant’s alleged attempts to convince her that a coerced, videoed statement would make him impossible to prosecute. We want rape survivors to know that we are here to help, no matter the circumstances of the rape. Please call us at 212-335-3400.”  

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, the survivor went to HEMPHILL’s apartment after meeting him on SugarDaddy.com. Over the course of the next seven hours, while using extreme violence, he raped her orally, vaginally, and anally numerous times.   

He allegedly threatened her with a knife, restrained her on his bed, and burned her with a hot object. He also allegedly fastened an electric shock collar around her neck and repeatedly held her head under water, pulling her up just before she lost consciousness each time before submerging her again. He also forced her to record a video in which she said she wanted to be raped, which he used to convince her that it would be impossible to bring charges against him. She ultimately reported to the D.A.’s Office after seeing the earlier indictment in the news.   

District Attorney Bragg thanked the NYPD, especially Detective Andre Arias, Detective Alfred Ortiz, Police Officer Lauren Pando, and Police Officer Billy Cazorla. 

In addition to calling the Office’s Special Victims Division, survivors of sexual assault can also access support 24 hours a day through the NYC Hope Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673).  

Mayor Mamdani to Introduce POWER Act Allowing New Yorkers to Sue Predatory Corporations for Unfair Business Practices

 

First-in-the-nation bill would make New York City’s consumer and worker protections the strongest in the country 

 

Bill would allow workers, consumers, small businesses, and nonprofits to sue predatory corporations rather than relying on government agencies alone          


Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine announced the planned introduction of the POWER (People and Organizations Winning Economic Relief) Act, legislation that would make New York City’s consumer and worker protection laws the strongest in the country. The POWER Act, sponsored by Chair of the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection Harvey Epstein, would create a municipal private right of action, bringing sweeping changes to the way workers, consumers, tenants, small businesses, and nonprofits can seek relief from predatory business practices.

The bill would, among other things:

  • Allow tenant unions to sue landlords for deceptive trade practices;
  • Allow taxi drivers to sue financing companies over unconscionable loan terms;
  • Allow consumers scammed by predatory for-profit schools to seek loan relief; and
  • Allow nonprofits to bring claims on behalf of themselves, their members, and the public.

“New York City is a working-class city. Yet for far too long we've trailed the country when it comes to giving working people the power to take on corporations that violate their rights and try to cheat them,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That’s why we are excited to introduce the POWER Act, which will finally give New Yorkers and the organizations who represent them a legal pathway to seek recourse for unfair business practices and make our city a national model for consumer, worker, tenant, and small business protection. The POWER Act will enable tenant unions to take landlords to court and win back wrongfully withheld security deposits. It will allow local small businesses who face competition from corporate giants to file suit for unfair business practices. It will empower seniors who lose hundreds of millions of dollars every year through targeted scams to get the justice they are owed. Our administration will not sit back while New Yorkers are taken advantage of. The POWER Act is about giving New Yorkers their rights back and building a more just economy for working people.”

The POWER Act will be introduced on behalf of the Mayor by Chair Epstein at the next stated City Council meeting on October 8th.

Mayor Mamdani will also introduce two additional consumer protection bills. The Truth in Pricing Act simplifies the City's pricing display rules, cutting compliance costs for businesses while keeping prices transparent for shoppers. A separate amendment to the City's Consumer Protection Law removes a lengthy rulemaking requirement, letting DCWP act faster against unconscionable business practices.

“The Mamdani administration came into office with a commitment to return power to the working-class people of this city. With this legislation, we will do exactly that,” said Deputy Mayor Su. “Often, corporate practices that steal time and money from workers and consumers are designed to push the limit of prohibited practices. We will equip New Yorkers with new tools to take on predatory companies, bad landlords, scammers, and other actors who exploit them and build not only an economy but a city that works for working people.”

“The Our POWER Act represents one of the single greatest expansions of consumer and worker rights in New York City history, putting power directly in the hands of New Yorkers to secure their own economic justice,” said DCWP Commissioner Levine. “Establishing a broad private right of action has never been more urgent, especially as the federal government retreats from protecting working people. I am grateful to the advocates who have long called for this critical right, and I look forward to working with Mayor Mamdani and the City Council to swiftly pass this bill.”

“We're using every tool at our disposal to empower tenants and stand up to unscrupulous landlords. The POWER Act would give tenants a stronger basis to fight for a fairer city in court, taking on bad actors and unfair practices across the five boroughs,” said Cea Weaver, Director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.

The POWER Act
Under current New York consumer protection laws, individuals can only sue over deception — a narrow slice of unlawful business conduct. The POWER Act closes that gap, letting individuals, workers, and small businesses sue over unfair methods of competition and unfair, deceptive, abusive, or unlawful practices. Today, that gap lets bad actors cheat New Yorkers — especially small businesses — with little consequence.

New York State laws let individuals sue over deceptive practices, but does not allow them to sue over unfair or abusive ones. The POWER Act would allow tenants, workers, small businesses, and nonprofits to take companies to court over unfair and abusive practices such as overcharging rent.

Truth in Pricing Act
New York City's price display rules currently vary by store size and product type, creating confusion for businesses and consumers alike. The Truth in Pricing Act, sponsored by Chair Epstein and Council member Carmen De La Rosa, simplifies this: business owners can choose to display prices on the item or on the shelf. It lowers compliance costs while preserving price transparency and checkout accuracy.

Consumer Protection Law Amendment

DCWP currently cannot challenge unconscionable business practices without first completing a lengthy rulemaking process. This amendment, sponsored by Council Member Chi Ossé, removes that requirement, letting DCWP respond quickly to serious misconduct and aligning City law with state and federal consumer protections, including the Federal Trade Commission Act.