Many NYC bodega workers seek gun permits due to rising thefts
Hundreds of Bodega Workers in New York City Apply for Concealed-Carry Gun Permits Amid Rising Violence
In the face of ongoing violent theft, hundreds of bodega workers in New York City are taking matters into their own hands by applying for concealed-carry gun permits.
The United Bodegas of America, the union representing bodega workers, has stepped in to assist at least 230 bodega owners in their application process for firearm licenses.
Bodegas, the city’s small convenience stores, often find themselves situated in high-crime neighborhoods, making them prime targets for criminals, some of whom are armed.
Following the pandemic, the bodega union established a “secret society of gun owners” for bodega employees in New York City, enabling them to obtain concealed-carry licenses. The identities of armed store owners will remain confidential, according to the union.
“Anyone that’s out there looking to rob us, hurt us, kill us – beware,” warned union spokesman Fernando Mateo. “You may be walking into the wrong bodega because now we have the same firepower you have.”
The union connects store owners with concealed-carry classes, a requirement by the state to obtain a permit. Seasoned instructors like Johnny Nunez, a retired NYPD sergeant and former New York City police academy instructor, lead these courses.
Addressing a Growing Issue
The decision to arm themselves comes in response to a series of high-profile deadly crimes that have occurred in bodegas over the past few years.
In 2018, a 15-year-old boy entered a Bronx bodega and was subsequently dragged out and fatally stabbed by members of the Trinitarios gang.
Earlier this year, a double shooting at a Bronx bodega claimed the life of one man. Just weeks prior, an armed robber with a criminal record shot and killed a deli worker on the Upper East Side.
In another incident, a man shot another individual in the stomach and pursued him into a bodega before police arrived. Tragically, the victim did not survive.
However, bodegas are not the only retail stores in New York City taking precautions. The National Supermarket Association reports that approximately 25% of its members in the city now carry firearms, compared to just 10% before the pandemic.
While crime rates have decreased this year compared to the previous year, robberies, assaults, burglaries, and grand larceny remain significantly higher than they were two years ago, according to NYPD data.
Shootings, on the other hand, have seen a decline after a surge in 2020, which prompted the bodega union to advocate for gun licenses.
Retail theft has also experienced a dramatic increase, with shoplifting complaints rising by 44% from 2021 to 2022, as reported by the mayor’s office.
Mayor Eric Adams revealed that over 22,000 incidents of retail theft occurred last year, with more than 300 repeat offenders responsible for 30% of these crimes. In response, he launched a task force to combat the issue.
Radhames Rodriguez, the president of the bodega union and owner of several bodegas in the Bronx, recently obtained his concealed-carry license and purchased a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol. He had previously held a “premises” gun permit in the 1980s but allowed it to lapse as the city became safer in subsequent decades.
“Now, however, it started looking like in the ’80s, the ’90s,” Rodriguez told the New York Post. “That’s why I applied, and this is why I have it.”
As bodega workers take steps to protect themselves and their businesses, the issue of rising violence in New York City continues to be a pressing concern.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
What factors make bodegas more vulnerable to criminal activities compared to other establishments in New York City?
Gas are not the only establishments experiencing an increase in violence. Throughout New York City, crime rates have been on the rise, leaving residents feeling unsafe and vulnerable. This alarming trend has prompted many to take matters into their own hands, and bodega workers are no exception.
Bodegas, synonymous with the vibrant neighborhoods they serve, are often at the forefront of their communities. They provide essential goods and services to residents, but they are also easy targets for criminals due to their late-night hours and isolated locations. While these workers play a vital role in their neighborhoods, their safety has become a growing concern.
In response to this escalating violence, the United Bodegas of America, a union representing bodega workers, has taken action. They have begun assisting bodega owners in the application process for concealed-carry gun permits. This move has seen over 230 bodega owners apply for firearm licenses, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The union’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. They have also established a “secret society of gun owners” specifically for bodega employees in New York City. This initiative aims to empower and protect those who work in these high-risk environments. Additionally, the identities of armed store owners are kept confidential to avoid potential targeting by criminals.
Fernando Mateo, a union spokesman, issued a stern warning to potential criminals, stating, “Anyone that’s out there looking to rob us, hurt us, kill us – beware. You may be walking into the wrong bodega because now we have the same firepower you have.” This declaration underscores the determination of bodega workers to defend themselves and their businesses against criminal activities.
To ensure the responsible use of firearms, the union connects store owners with concealed-carry classes. These classes are mandatory and teach participants proper gun safety and usage. Experienced instructors, like Johnny Nunez, a retired NYPD sergeant and former police academy instructor, lead these courses. This comprehensive approach ensures that bodega workers are not only armed but also well-trained in handling firearms.
The decision to arm themselves stems from a series of tragic incidents that have taken place in bodegas over the past few years. These stories of violence remind us of the vulnerable position bodega workers find themselves in every day. In 2018, a 15-year-old boy was brutally killed inside a Bronx bodega by members of the Trinitarios gang. More recently, a double shooting in a Bronx bodega claimed yet another life. These incidents, along with many others, highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
It is important to note that the decision to apply for concealed-carry permits and carry firearms is not one taken lightly. Bodega workers are not seeking vigilante justice, but rather the ability to protect themselves and their livelihoods. The rise in violence and targeted attacks against bodegas necessitates that they take proactive measures for their own safety.
The issue of bodega workers applying for concealed-carry gun permits is a reflection of the wider problem of rising violence in New York City. In an environment where crime rates are climbing, individuals are seeking ways to safeguard themselves and those around them. It is crucial that authorities take proactive steps to address this issue and ensure the safety of all residents.
While the situation may seem dire, the response from bodega workers exemplifies their courage and resilience. By arming themselves and acquiring concealed-carry gun permits, they are taking a stand against violence and asserting their rights to protect themselves and their communities. The efforts made by the United Bodegas of America and the support they have provided should not go unnoticed. It is essential that we recognize the importance of safety and security for all, particularly those individuals who are on the front lines of their communities.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
