Pokémon TCG shop in NYC robbed at gunpoint during community event; suspects make off with $100,000 USD worth of cards

At about 6:40 PM on January 14th, several masked men entered The Poké Court, a Pokémon Trading Card Game shop in the Borough of Manhattan, in New York City. Reports differ on if there were three or four suspects, but the group was armed, and held employees and customers at gunpoint while they smashed glass cases and grabbed cards. Employees of the shop told local news that an estimated $100,000 USD worth of PSA-graded cards and other products were stolen. No injuries have been reported.

The Poké Court opened at its location in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan only last November; the robbery occurred during their first big community event, with dozens of people in the store. Surveillance footage posted by The Poké Court shows one suspect trying to break open glass cases with a hammer. More footage shows smashed glass, empty shelves, and one of the suspects pointing a gun at visitors. The suspects also stole approximately $1,000 from the shop’s register, and a bystander’s phone.

The robbery lasted less than three minutes according to local press, and police were called and arrived at the scene immediately after. The founder of The Poké Court, Courtney Chin, released a statement to the shop’s social media pages, saying “Most importantly everyone is safe. No one should have to have a gun in their face while enjoying their hobby.” Social media comments, including from those present during the robbery, shared their support for the store. “Tysm for taking care of us when we were held hostage, you guys did your best with the situation. Sending love and support. Will definitely visit you guys again,” said mame_phun on Instagram.

The Poké Court asks that buyers be aware of any suspicious cards being sold, having posted some of the slabs that were stolen to their Instagram story. The police investigation is currently ongoing.