BRONX, N.Y. — Two alleged members of a notorious gang were arrested for issuing threats against the family of a key witness in a high-profile murder trial, federal authorities announced. The arrests were made public on Wednesday after alarming social media posts emerged during the trial of a gang leader.
Tyshawn Palmer, 32, and Hassan Brown, 34, are accused of publicly threatening to kill the young son and pregnant wife of a witness who testified against Lamar Williams, the alleged head of the “Mac Ballers,” a faction of the Bloods. The threats were reportedly made on Instagram, where the duo included a photograph of the witness’s child while boasting about targeting him at school.
The intimidation tactics did not stop there. Palmer and Brown also shared images from the witness’s pregnant wife’s baby shower, using derogatory labels such as “rat” and “snitch” in reference to the witness. The posts culminated in a series of overt threats aimed at undermining the witness’s bravery in providing testimony.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton condemned the actions of Palmer and Brown, stating that such intimidation threatens the core principles of the justice system. “These actions are a blatant disregard for the very foundation of our legal system and pose a serious threat to public safety,” he said during a press conference.
Despite the risk to his family, the witness remained resolute and testified over the course of a nine-day trial. Williams was subsequently found guilty of multiple charges, including the murder of 28-year-old Rasheed Barton, which was carried out in a targeted shooting in 2013.
The charges against Williams carry severe penalties, including a mandatory life sentence, reflecting the gravity of his actions as a gang leader involved in violent crime. The convictions highlight the ongoing challenges posed by gang violence in the Bronx and the repercussions for those who dare to speak out.
Palmer and Brown were arrested Wednesday morning by U.S. Marshals, who are responsible for securing the safety of courtroom witnesses. Following their arrest, the pair appeared in Manhattan federal court, where they were denied bail.
Federal law enforcement and local police collaborated closely on this case, illustrating the joint effort to combat gang-related threats and violence. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the judicial process. “Intimidating witnesses is an affront to our legal system, and we will not tolerate such acts of violence,” she stated.
If convicted, both men could face life in prison for their alleged roles in witness tampering and retaliation. As the legal proceedings continue, their defense attorneys could not be reached for comment.