A Bronx bodega worker named Jhonny Gomez Cordero, 56, is currently facing criminal charges after he reportedly shot an armed robber during a heist at his store, an incident that has sparked intense debate about self-defense and the legality of gun possession. Cordero was working at Mi Gerizin Market on November 28 when two masked individuals allegedly entered with the intent to rob. In a twist of fate, Cordero claims he stumbled upon a firearm in the store’s bathroom earlier, which he used to shoot one of the assailants in the foot. While law enforcement officials have deemed the firearm illegal and have charged Cordero accordingly, advocates like Fernando Mateo from United Bodegas of America rally behind him, labeling Cordero a hero acting in self-defense.
Mateo emphasized the challenges Cordero faces in both personal and professional realms. As a business owner with a family to support, he argues that Cordero’s actions were justified in protecting himself and his customers. Mateo highlighted Cordero’s character, portraying him as a devout man committed to his family and his faith. The community’s support for Cordero is palpable, as many believe that he had no malicious intent but rather acted in a moment of life-threatening distress. This perspective shapes the narrative around the incident, positioning Cordero as a victim of circumstance rather than a perpetrator of crime.
The legal ramifications of the incident are complicated. A criminal complaint indicates that security footage from the bodega shows Cordero discharging his weapon at one of the suspects. Although the wounded robber sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently treated at a local hospital, the presence of the firearm—a key element in determining the legality of Cordero’s actions—remains a point of contention. Mateo acknowledged that Cordero hadn’t procured a legal pistol permit, yet insists that the circumstances surrounding the gun’s discovery in the bathroom are critical to understanding this situation. The unpredictability of public restroom use, particularly in a busy bodega, often leads to unforeseen risks.
This incident aligns with a disturbing trend of violence erupting in bodegas across New York City. Previous cases, such as the tragic stabbing of store clerk Jose Alba in July 2022, illustrate the volatile environment where small business workers often have to navigate life-threatening situations. Alba faced murder charges after fatally stabbing a robber who had cornered him, only to have the charges later dismissed by Manhattan prosecutors citing self-defense. Such cases highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and protection for bodega workers, a sentiment echoed in Cordero’s current situation.
In addition to the legal complexities and emotional weight of the incident, the broader implications reveal a significant public safety concern. Following the stabbing of a bodega worker over a dispute regarding beer in Queens, and a fatal stabbing involving a Bronx mother inside a bodega, it is evident that these establishments are increasingly becoming sites of violence. Community advocates argue that reforms are needed to provide better safety measures and legal protections for workers who find themselves in dangerous situations while trying to serve the public.
As Cordero prepares to fight the charges, a mix of community support and legal challenges unfolds. The upcoming days will be pivotal in determining the course of the case and reaffirming norms around self-defense for workers in urban environments. The outcome not only impacts Cordero’s future but also serves as a significant reference point for bodega workers everywhere, highlighting their need for support, protection, and perhaps a reassessment of the laws regarding self-defense in the face of violence. Advocates are determined to ensure that Cordero’s actions are viewed through the lens of his intent and the dire circumstances he faced, positioning him as an emblem of the struggle for safety in the city’s bodegas.
