Queens Council Member Urges Residents to Arm Themselves After Violent Home Invasion
Incident Overview
A recent home invasion in Whitestone, Queens, has prompted a local City Council member to advocate for residents to arm themselves for self-defense. This advice follows a harrowing incident where masked robbers, disguised as Amazon delivery personnel, invaded a family home, binding the occupants and stealing valuables.
The break-in occurred early on a Monday morning, shocking the close-knit community. According to police reports, the suspects entered the residence around 9 a.m., forcing the family—including three young children aged 5, 10, and 18—into the basement. The thieves reportedly used duct tape to secure the family and made off with thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry.
Council Member’s Response
Republican Council Member Vickie Paladino responded to the incident by urging her constituents to safeguard themselves, offering assistance in obtaining gun permits. In a statement, she emphasized the constitutional right of New Yorkers to protect themselves: "I want to remind my constituents that New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protect themselves," Paladino stated.
Paladino later reiterated her commitment to public safety, adding, "The safety of our neighborhoods is my top priority – and I will not sit quietly while violence threatens our neighborhoods."
She also noted that the NYPD suspects the incident was targeted, insisting there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Community Concerns
Residents are increasingly concerned about safety; some reported experiencing similar crimes in recent months. One neighbor, who chose to remain anonymous, noted that her home was robbed six months prior—fortunately, no one was present at the time. "I think people are scoping out the area," she commented, echoing sentiments that the recent robbery is part of a troubling trend.
Another resident shared his own experience, stating, "When that happened, we got prepared. You gotta protect yourself. All that matters is your life. The bad people, they never get caught."
Ongoing Investigation
The 109th precinct, covering the Whitestone area, has reported a total of 99 robberies in 2025 alone. The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the two suspects, who were seen carrying an Amazon box and wearing a bright yellow vest. Currently, law enforcement is still searching for the individuals involved in this violent crime.
As this story develops, local authorities continue to bolster their efforts to address safety concerns while fostering a secure environment in the community.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.