On the night of November 23rd, a large group of outsiders descended on the quiet, affluent Malba section of Whitestone (Queens Council District 19) shortly after midnight, blocking streets and performing dangerous car stunts in an illegal “street takeover.” A private security guard who attempted to intervene was assaulted, and his vehicle was set on fire; he sustained serious injuries. At least one local resident was also attacked.
Multiple 911 callers were told by operators that the incident should be handled by the “quality of life” team or 311, prompting outrage over the perceived lack of immediate police response. The lack of immediate response as local residents were being assaulted and threatened is a sickening.
Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Queens), whose district includes Malba, issued a fiery statement the following morning condemning the incident, blaming soft-on-crime policies, announcing new dedicated NYPD patrols for the neighborhood, and openly urging residents to arm themselves—while warning criminals that armed residents may not show restraint in the future…