NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for February 2023

 

Major Crimes in the Subway System Have Declined More than 19% This Year

For the month of February 2023, overall index crime compared to February 2022 declined by 5.6% (8,785 v. 9,304) – driving a 0.4% (18,909 v. 18,976) reduction in overall index crime year-to-date compared to 2022. This reflects the NYPD’s ongoing work to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers, and to combat crime and violence in every neighborhood. February 2023 also saw the number of overall shooting incidents and murders in New York City both continue their week-over-week and month-over-month declines. Additionally, the number of hate crimes in New York City declined by 69% (27 v. 86) in February 2023 compared to the same period a year ago.

In the city’s subway system, major crimes fell by 9.1% (169 v. 186) in February 2023 compared to the same period last year, representing the second consecutive month of crime declines in the subway system. Consequently, transit index crimes are down 19.4% (315 v. 391) so far this year, with 76 fewer index crimes compared to the same period last year. This trend of safer subways, which has held steady since the institution of additional deployments in October 2022, reflects the city and state’s sustained investment in mass-transit security – and is a byproduct of 43.3% (200,281 v. 139,666) more station inspections by NYPD officers through the first two months of 2023 compared to the start of 2022.

Regarding the citywide decreases in overall index crime for February 2023, compared to February 2022, they were experienced in six of the NYPD’s eight patrol boroughs. Notably, the NYPD has driven a 10.5% (1,155 v. 1,290) decrease in citywide robberies in February 2023. More specifically, there have been significant decreases in robberies in the transit and housing bureaus and in more than half of the city’s police precincts: Robbery was down in 42 of 77 precincts, including fourteen in Manhattan and eight in the Bronx. Robbery levels remained unchanged in an additional seven precincts around the city in February 2023.

Citywide shooting incidents decreased in February by 14.7% (64 v. 75) – further extending the double-digit declines of 2022 – driven by steep reductions in the Bronx, Queens, and Northern Manhattan. Similarly, the number of gun violence victims across the city decreased by 2.4% (82 v. 84) compared to the same period last year, while murders in February decreased by 27.8% (26 v. 36). The women and men of the NYPD have seized 1,125 illegal firearms from the city’s streets so far this year, a 1.3% increase over the 1,111 illegal firearms seized through February 2022.

In Housing, the NYPD’s intelligence-based crime reduction strategies and augmented police coverage has helped to drive a 5.2% (435 v. 459) decrease in major crimes for February 2023 compared to February 2022, with a 31% (9 v. 13) decrease in shootings in all public housing areas for the month of February. Robberies in all city housing areas fell by 11.8% (75 v. 85) in the last month.

On enforcement, the number of arrests for index crimes in New York City in February is up 8.9% (3,811 v. 3,498) when compared to the February prior, a month-to-month benchmark unsurpassed since 2000 – nearly a quarter-century ago. Arrests for these most serious offenses have risen in each of the city’s five boroughs for both the month of February and for the calendar year, reflecting the NYPD’s adherence to precision policing.

“While it is early in the year, the crime statistics released today are encouraging as we saw significant reductions in major crimes across our streets, subways, and public housing developments in the month of February,” said Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “The NYPD continues to improve off of our accomplishments in 2022, and I am proud of our members who continue to address crime wherever and whenever it occurs. We can never lose focus of our mission: fight crime, keep people safe, and work in partnership with the community. Our success stems from our officers and the people we serve working alongside one another to create a safer city for all. There is much more work to do, and we will continue to step forward together.”

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

Index Crime Statistics: February 2023

	February 2023	February 2022	+/-	%
Murder	26	36	-10	-27.8%
Rape	109	140	-31	-22.1%
Robbery	1155	1290	-135	-10.5%
Fel. Assault	1808	1725	83	4.8%
Burglary	1040	1224	-184	-15.0%
Grand  Larceny	3539	3815	-276	-7.2%
Grand Larceny Auto	1108	1074	34	3.2%
TOTAL	8785	9304	-519	-5.6%

Additional Statistics For February 2023

	February 2023	February 2022	+/-	%
Transit	169	186	-17	-9.1%
Housing	435	459	-24	-5.2%
Citywide Shooting  Incidents	64	75	-11	-14.7%

 

Rape Incident Reporting Statistics: February 2023

(Reports filed from February 1 – February 28 in years indicated)    

Year	Total  Incidents  Reported	Incident  Occurred  Same Year	Incident  Occurred  Previous  Year	Incident  Occurred  2 Years  Prior	Incident  Occurred  3 Years  Prior	Incident  Occurred  4 Years  Prior	Incident  Occurred  5+ Years  Prior
2023	109	74	16	6	4	4	5
2022	140	86	35	6	3	2	8
2021	99	57	17	6	2	2	15
2020	130	84	30	4	4	0	8
2019	133	86	26	6	3	3	9
2018	122	72	21	6	3	3	17

Rape continues to be underreported. If you are a victim of sexual assault, please come forward. The 24-hour NYPD Special Victims Division hotline is: 212-267-RAPE (7273). 

Hate Crimes Statistics Summary for February 2023

(Representing February 1st – February 28th years indicated)   

Motivation	2022	2021	Diff	% Change
Asian	1	13	-12	-92%
Black	1	11	-10	-91%
Disability	0	0	0	0%
Ethnic	3	1	2	200%
Gender	1	3	-2	-67%
Hispanic	2	0	2	***
Jewish	11	46	-35	-75%
Muslim	0	3	-3	***
Religion	1	3	-2	-67%
Sexual Orientation	6	5	1	-20%
White	1	1	0	0%
TOTAL	27	86	-59	-69%

Note: Statistics above are subject to change upon investigation, as active possible bias cases may be reclassified to non-bias cases and removed from counted data.                               

MAYOR ADAMS HOLDS FIRST CATALYST DINNER OF ‘BREAKING BREAD, BUILDING BONDS’ INITIATIVE, PREPARES MORE THAN 150 NEW YORKERS TO HOST DINNERS IN FUTURE

 

Taking Place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Event Trained More Than 150 New Yorkers on Hosting Dinners as Part of Mayoral Initiative

 

B4 Aims to Organize 1,000 Meals with Diverse Group of New Yorkers Across City to Combat Hate and Foster Mutual Understanding

New York City Mayor Eric Adams yesterday was joined by administration officials and members of The People’s Supper to host an inaugural catalyst dinner for his ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ (B4) initiative. Hosted at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the catalyst dinner trained more than 150 hosts — comprised of everyday New Yorkers from all walks of life — on how to host their own dinners, which aim to convene diverse groups of New Yorkers and have them engage in conversations that promote mutual understanding and combat the rising tide of hate.

 

“Through our ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative, we are doing something revolutionary: We are sitting down and talking with each other through the communal act of sharing a meal,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration is engaging with every community across the city to host and attend dinners so we can break down silos, foster mutual understanding, and eradicate the scourge of hate. At a time when we are seeing increasing hate crimes against our Jewish, AAPI, and LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, this initiative will empower New Yorkers to recognize our common humanity and celebrate our diversity.”

Mayor Adams hosts a catalyst dinner for his ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative with more than 150 hosts. Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office

“Combatting hate starts with building bonds through the simple act of sitting down to a meal with your neighbors,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “By hosting these catalyst dinners, we are equipping everyday New Yorkers with the tools to become ambassadors of peace for their communities.”

 

“Last night’s catalyst dinner is building a movement of New Yorkers committed to fighting hate by embracing and celebrating the immense diversity of New York City,” said Mayor’s Office to Prevent Hate Crimes Executive Director Hassan Naveed. “These participants are committed to bringing the Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative to their neighborhoods and communities, and learn from each other and breakdown silos. I am confident that we will reach the goal of 1,000 dinners citywide, so we can continue to root out hate wherever it rears its ugly head.”

 

“New York City’s strength is its diversity. The ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative seeks to celebrate our differences while highlighting all that we share in common,” said Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “The Community Affairs Unit is grateful for its partnership with its sibling agencies and external organizations like The People’s Supper as we strive to foster stronger community ties across our city. We will stamp out hate together.”

 

“No matter where you come from — whether you’ve lived in this city for generations or migrated from somewhere else; no matter how you choose to build a family, the people in this City are grounded in our common identity as New Yorkers,” said New York City Commission on Human Rights Chair and Commissioner Anabel Palma. “I am so grateful to be a part of Breaking Bread, Building Bonds and look forward to the meaningful connections that will emerge. Our city is stronger when we are tethered by our commonalities rather than alienated by our differences.”

 

“‘Breaking Bread Building Bonds’ is an opportunity for New Yorkers of diverse faiths and ethnic groups to gather, engage in conversations, and better understand each other, which seeks to bring us closer in our city,” said Office of Faith Based and Community Partnerships Executive Director Pastor Gil Monrose. “Meals have traditionally been a gathering place for people of different cultures and world views to understand each other further and create a healthy community. The Office of Faith Based and Community Partnerships will continue encouraging communities to build meaningful, healthy relationships across the boroughs through ‘Breaking Bread Building Bond.’”

 

The B4 initiative launched in January of this year and aims to empower everyday New Yorkers to become community ambassadors, hosting dinners that break down silos between communities. Organized in partnership with The People’s Supper, UJA-Federation of New York, and several community-based organizations, the initiative aims to organize 1,000 meals of 10-12 diverse New Yorkers. Working with the Mayor’s Office to Prevent Hate Crimes, alongside the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnership, The People’s Supper coordinates large-scale trainings such as catalyst dinners, provides support and coaching to dinner hosts, develops a toolkit and resource guide, and assists with matching participants to hosts.

 

In January 2020, then-Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries announced the initial version of the ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative, following a significant rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes. The inaugural dinner of the initiative was held later that month in Jackson Heights, and took place during Peace Week, which featured a series of events throughout the city dedicated to promoting peace and unity across cultures. The initiative was put on hold due to the disruption of in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wave Hill Events March 16-March 23

 

Explore the diverse group of plants called succulents on Succulent Sunday, March 19. It’s a day of activities for all ages and interests. From a cacti-inspired Family Art Project to Sketching Succulents, there's art-making for everyone. You can learn how to repot succulents with a demonstration from an expert gardener and get inspired in the kitchen with a cooking demo. Learn more by visiting our website or checking the attached press release!

Succulent Sunday events take place in Wave Hill House. The House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

 

Public Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 

Sun, March 19, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

Attorney General James Leads Coalition to Support New Mexico’s Actions to Safeguard Abortion Access

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of eight attorneys general released the following joint statement in support of New Mexico’s efforts to protect access to abortion care in all localities within its borders:

“We applaud the State of New Mexico for taking swift action to push back against localities attempting to cut off access to abortion. Since the reversal of Roe v. Wade, New Mexico has become a safe haven for people from neighboring states that have banned or restricted abortion. Localities trying to independently ban abortion are jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of millions.

As states that recognize the fundamental right to reproductive health care, we support New Mexico’s efforts to safeguard abortion access in every community and locality within its borders. It is critical that New Mexico continue to ensure abortion is protected across the state so it can remain a safe haven for all those in need of care.”

Abortion is legal in New Mexico, however, several localities have tried to independently ban or restrict access to abortion care. Last month, New Mexico filed a lawsuit against four localities within the state for issuing ordinances restricting abortion. New Mexico’s lawsuit asks the court to nullify these ordinances and rule that abortion is protected under the state’s constitution.

Joining Attorney General James in issuing this statement are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Vermont.

Attorney General James has been a national leader in protecting access to reproductive health care. In February, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general sent a letter to CVS and Walgreens reassuring the companies that dispensing medication abortion at their pharmacies is legal after a group of anti-abortion states wrote a letter to the companies warning of legal repercussions. Attorney General James also led a multistate coalition to defend and protect access to medication abortion in a court challenge that seeks to revoke FDA’s approval of mifepristone. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to end Roe v. Wade, Attorney General James launched a pro bono legal hotline to provide legal support to patients and healthcare providers nationwide. Attorney General James has also supported state legislation to provide funds to abortion providers in New York and called for an amendment to the state constitution to ensure the right to an abortion. Attorney General James has helped lead a coalition of attorneys general to defend abortion access in Idaho, Texas, Arizona, Indiana, and Mississippi.

Governor Hochul Announces New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection Has Returned Nearly $2.4 Million to New York Consumers in 2022

 

Division of Consumer Protection Helped Nearly 20,000 New Yorkers with Consumer Complaints in 2022

To Kick Off National Consumer Protection Week, Division of Consumer Protection is Sharing the Top Five Categories of Consumer Complaints Received in 2022 with Tips to Protect Consumers

 To kick off National Consumer Protection Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection assisted 19,752 New Yorkers with a variety of consumer protection matters in 2022, resulting in nearly $2.4 million being returned to consumers. National Consumer Protection Week is celebrated during the first full week of March every year to help individuals understand their rights as consumers and to share resources available to help protect them. This year National Consumer Protection week falls on March 5 - 11, and the Division of Consumer Protection is sharing the top five categories of consumer complaints received in 2022 with tips to educate, inform and protect consumers on these topics.

"My administration has worked diligently to return millions of dollars to consumers that fraudulent businesses stole out of the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "With tips and tools available to stay safe in this fast-changing economy, we will continue to protect consumers, ensure New Yorkers are informed of their rights, and hold dishonest businesses accountable."

Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Over the last year, our Division of Consumer Protection has worked tirelessly to help thousands of New Yorkers recover their hard-earned money from unscrupulous businesses. We will continue this important work to help ensure consumers are informed of their rights and have the tools they need to protect themselves and their families from fraud."

Top Five Categories of Consumer Complaints DCP Received in 2022 and Tips to Protect Consumers:

Orders/Deliveries: Complaints related to the order and delivery of goods purchased, including missing items, incorrect items received, late or delayed delivery or items never shipped.

For example, a consumer from Westchester County ordered bedroom furniture from a large retailer in Brooklyn. At the time of sale, the shipping date was scheduled for February 3rd, but it was later moved to April 3rd. Upon learning of the new date, the consumer contacted the furniture store to cancel the order, however, they were told they would incur a 15% restocking fee. The consumer filed a complaint with DCP, and DCP was able to arrange for a full refund to the consumer.

Consumers should:

• Remember to always shop on trusted sites when online shopping. Consumers should shop from sites known to them and exercise caution when shopping from unfamiliar sites or those that host items for third-party sellers.
• Learn about the Federal Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule of 1975, which generally requires retailers to deliver products ordered by mail, phone, or online within 30 days unless otherwise stated at the time of purchase. If there is a delay, you must be notified. If the company cannot reach you to obtain your consent to the delay, they must, without being asked, promptly refund all the money you paid for the unshipped merchandise.
• Be careful when shopping through social media. Social media commerce is gaining ground among shoppers, and according to experts it's growing three times faster than more traditional ecommerce economies. As more consumers browse and shop directly or through links found on social media platforms, we urge consumers to pay attention to brand imposters and fake retailers with fake consumer reviews. Research and verify vendors to avoid placing orders on copycat sites for products that will never arrive.
• Keep track of your packages. Review the tracking information for your package and report any issues to the retailer and shipping company immediately.
• Consumers should be aware that an unsolicited text message or email about an unfamiliar shipment or delivery may be a sign of a package tracking and delivery scam, and they should exercise caution if one is received.

Refunds/Store Policy: Complaints related to refunds and store policies, including return policies, restocking fees, and refunds for damaged goods.

For example, a consumer from Bronx County purchased cookware from a direct salesman. She received the cookware four days later and decided she no longer thought it was worth the cost. The consumer contacted the cookware company and was told that, pursuant to the "Cooling Off Rule", she only had three days from the date of purchase to initiate a return. However, the consumer noted that the company website advertised a return policy of ten days after a consumer receives the merchandise. The consumer shipped everything back to the company three days after receiving it, however, the company refused to issue a refund. DCP reached out to the company on behalf of the consumer and arranged for the consumer to receive a full refund of $2000.

Consumers should:

• Know your rights. In NYS, stores must clearly post their refund policies. When no refund policy is posted, consumers have 30 days from the purchase date to receive a full refund or a credit (at the consumer's option). You must provide a receipt or other confirmation provided by the vendor that shows that 30 days has not elapsed from the date of purchase, and the merchandise must not have been used or damaged.
• Ask about refund policies. Before making an expensive purchase, ask the store to provide information on any conditions or costs, such as restocking fees, relating to the return of merchandise.
• Save all receipts for purchases to allow for ease of returns.

Merchandise/Product: Complaints related to merchandise or products that did not meet consumers' expectations.

For example, a consumer in Nassau County purchased a new range from an appliance store. Immediately after installation, the range would intermittently shut off during cooking. The consumer contacted the retailer who directed her to the manufacturer. After numerous phone calls and attempts to resolve the issue with the manufacturer, the consumer reached out to DCP. After contacting the manufacturer, DCP was able to arrange for the consumer to receive a full refund of $7,303 and removal of the range.

Consumers should:

• Shop on trusted sites to avoid fraud. Be aware that if a website leads to a third-party to order merchandise, the first website is not liable for the orders made on the third-party site. Always read verified customer reviews before placing an order on a new website.
• Always read product specifications to be sure of the product you will receive. Make sure that what is being pictured is the product that you expect to receive.
• When shopping for children, check that products are age-appropriate for their safety—manufacturers are required to provide this information on the packaging. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) updates consumers regularly on product recalls, a great tool to shop safely.
• Review store return policies and keep receipts for ease of returns.

Home Improvement: Complaints related to home improvement, repair services and contractors.

For example, a consumer in Niagara County hired a franchise painting company to repair holes in a few walls and repaint the interior of their home. The work done was covered by warranty, so when some of the tape used to patch the holes began to peel, the consumer tried to contact the company for repair. Unfortunately, the franchise company had since gone out of business. The consumer tried contacting the parent company multiple times but did not receive a reply. DCP reached out to the parent company on behalf of the consumer and was able to arrange to have the repair work completed under warranty and at no cost to the consumer.

Consumers should:

• Get at least three estimates from reputable, insured contractors that include a list of the materials, price and services to be provided for the job.
• Request and check references from the contractor. Look up the contractor through the Better Business Bureau and other websites and speak to local suppliers and friends to see if they have information that may be helpful. If you live in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Putnam or Rockland Counties, check your local consumer affairs office. If you live in another county, check with your local municipality to see if they license home improvement contractors.
• If the contract price is more than $500, New York State law requires a written contract that includes the contractor contact information (including phone number), price, payment schedule, start and end dates and a thorough description of the work to be done.
• Negotiate a payment schedule tied to the completion of specific stages of the job. Never pay the full price up front and try to limit the amount of any deposit made prior to the commencement of work.
• Ensure you receive and save copies of all warranties, including those on the materials used.
• Know your rights. Consumers have three days to cancel after signing a contract for home improvements. All cancellations must be in writing.

Credit Cards: Complaints related to erroneous charges, billing, card benefits and illegal surcharges.

For example, a consumer in Cayuga County purchased a trip through her travel credit card, which included several travel benefits and services such as trip cancellation insurance. Four days before the scheduled trip, the consumer's husband suffered a medical emergency that qualified for trip cancellation. The consumer filed a claim with her credit card company, submitted the required supporting documentation, and then repeatedly contacted them over the next four months for an update. She was promised a call back by a claims examiner numerous times but never received one. Once the consumer filed a complaint with DCP, DCP contacted the credit card company and arranged for the consumer to receive a full refund totaling over $15,000.

Consumers should:

• Review your bills carefully. Examine all charges and ensure they are for services you requested and are receiving.
• Be aware of charges for automatic contract renewals. It is illegal in New York State to continue charging someone for an online service without offering an easy way to also cancel the service online.
• Always read the fine print. Make sure you review the terms and conditions of service and understand the provisions of contracts.

The Federal Trade Commission leads several public events during National Consumer Protection Week that promote consumer protection awareness. All events are free to join and can be found here.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection's mission is to assist, protect, educate, and represent consumers in an ever-changing economy. The Division of Consumer Protection works hard to assist individuals aggrieved in the marketplace through its complaint mediation efforts, along with educating the public on marketplace scams, and advocating consumers' interest before legislative and regulatory bodies.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State's consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/file-consumer-complaint.

For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, or visit www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. For regular consumer protection tips and recall information, follow DCP via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

Former U.S. Army Soldier Sentenced To 45 Years In Prison For Attempting To Murder Fellow Service Members In Deadly Ambush

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ETHAN PHELAN MELZER, a/k/a “Etil Reggad,” was sentenced to 45 years in prison for attempting to murder U.S. service members, providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, and illegally transmitting national defense information.  MELZER planned a jihadist attack on his U.S. Army unit in the days leading up to a deployment to Turkey and sent sensitive details about the unit — including information about its location, movements, and security — to members of the extremist organization Order of the Nine Angles (“O9A”), a white supremacist, neo-Nazi, and pro-jihadist group.  MELZER pled guilty on June 24, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Ethan Melzer infiltrated the U.S. Army in service of a neo-Nazi, white supremacist, and jihadist group.  He used his membership in the military to pursue an appalling goal: the brutal murder of his fellow U.S. service members in a carefully plotted ambush.  By unlawfully disclosing his unit’s location, strength, and armaments to other O9A members and jihadists in furtherance of this ambush, Melzer traitorously sought to attack the very soldiers he was entrusted to protect.  This sentence makes clear that Melzer’s brazen actions backfired and that this Office — along with our partners in law enforcement and the military — will work tirelessly to bring traitors like Melzer to justice and to protect the safety and integrity of our armed services.”

According to the Indictment and other documents in the public record, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:

MELZER is a member of O9A.  O9A espouses neo-Nazi, anti-Semitic, and Satanic beliefs and promotes extreme violence to accelerate and cause the demise of Western civilization.  The group has expressed admiration both for Nazis, such as Adolf Hitler, and Islamic jihadists, such as Usama Bin Laden, the now-deceased former leader of al Qaeda.  Members and associates of O9A have also participated in acts of violence, including murders.  O9A members are instructed to fulfill “sinister” deeds, including “insight roles,” where they attempt to infiltrate various organizations, including the military, to gain training and experience, commit acts of violence, identify like-minded individuals, and ultimately subvert those groups from within.

MELZER joined the U.S. Army in approximately 2018 and infiltrated its ranks as part of an insight role to further his goals as an O9A adherent.  In approximately October 2019, MELZER deployed abroad with the Army to Italy as a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.  While stationed abroad, MELZER consumed propaganda from multiple extremist groups, including O9A and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, which is also known as ISIS.  For example, MELZER subscribed to encrypted online forums where he downloaded and accessed videos of jihadist attacks on U.S. troops and facilities and jihadist executions of civilians and soldiers, in addition to far-right, neo-Nazi, and other white supremacist propaganda. 

In approximately early May 2020, the Army informed MELZER that he would be reassigned to a unit scheduled for a further foreign deployment, where the unit would be guarding an isolated and sensitive military installation (the “Military Base”).  After he was notified of the assignment, MELZER joined his new unit and attended weeks of training, including classified and unclassified briefings, to prepare for the deployment.  As part of this intensive training, MELZER learned details about the purpose, layout, and security of the Military Base.  MELZER and his unit also received in-depth training about and practiced for numerous threat scenarios at the Military Base, including how to respond to various potential terrorist attack scenarios.  

Upon learning the importance and sensitivity of his upcoming deployment, MELZER immediately began passing that information to members of O9A.  MELZER secretly used an encrypted messaging application to propose, advocate for, and plan a deadly attack on his fellow service members.  MELZER sent messages to members and associates of O9A and, in particular, a sub-group of O9A known as the “RapeWaffen Division,” providing details about his unit’s anticipated deployment including troop movements, relevant dates, locations, armaments, topography, and security, all in connection with the proposed attack on his unit and the Military Base.  MELZER and his co-conspirators used this information to plan what they referred to as a “jihadi attack” with the objective of causing a “mass casualty” event victimizing his fellow service members.  For example, after describing the unit’s weaponry during the deployment — and providing information consistent with the briefings he had received — MELZER described to his co-conspirators how an attack would “essentially cripple[]” the unit’s “fire-teams.”

To further the attack plan, MELZER and his co-conspirators passed these messages to a purported member of al Qaeda.  MELZER’s proposed attack evolved as he gathered and distributed additional sensitive information about the deployment.  For example, MELZER also promised to leak more information once he arrived at the Military Base — including real-time photographs of the facility and the frequency and channel of U.S. Army radio communications — in order to maximize the likelihood of a successful attack on his unit or on a replacement unit deployed to the Military Base. 

MELZER told members of O9A in his encrypted electronic communications “[y]ou just gotta understand that currently I am risking my literal free life to give you all this” and that he was “expecting results.”  MELZER further acknowledged that he could be killed during the attack and described his willingness to die for O9A’s goals, writing “who gives a fuck [. . .] it would be another war . . . I would’ve died successfully . . . cause [] another 10 year war in the Middle East would definitely leave a mark.”  MELZER also acknowledged in his messages that he deleted some of the communications regarding the planning of the attack because the plot amounted to treason.

In addition to the prison term, MELZER, 24, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (“FBI”) New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the New York City Police Department, along with the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Rome, Italy, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Counterintelligence, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Attorneys from the U.S. Army Africa Office of the Staff Judge Advocate and 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Counterterrorism Section and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, as well as the Department’s Office of International Affairs, for their assistance.