Queens Shootout Highlights Bail System Concerns

On November 19th, NYPD Officer Rich Wong and an innocent bystander were wounded in Queens during a confrontation with 57-year-old Gary Worthy, a career criminal with 17 prior felony arrests. Worthy, on lifetime parole for firearm possession, attempted to rob a bodega and a smoke shop, firing shots during each robbery. Officer Wong was shot in the thigh when he confronted Worthy, but managed to return fire, fatally injuring Worthy. This incident has raised questions about the criminal justice system, as Worthy had been released without bail shortly before despite multiple arrests. Mayor Eric Adams and police officials expressed frustration over the repeated release of dangerous offenders. Both the officer and the bystander are expected to recover from their injuries.