Day: September 3, 2024

City officials decried the mass shooting along the West Indian American Day Parade route in Brooklyn on Labor Day that left five people wounded as new details about the horrific event emerged.

According to police sources, the victims of Monday’s bloodbath range in age from teenagers to seniors after a gunman opened fire into a crowd of spectators around 2:35 p.m. on Sept. 2 at 307 Eastern Pkwy. in Crown Heights as the parade proceeded through the area.

Cops say the youngest victim was a 16-year-old boy who suffered a gunshot to the left arm. A 25-year-old man was struck in the abdomen and a 36-year-old man suffered a gunshot to the head. Also, a 64-year-old man was shot in the right arm. A 69-year-old woman had the distinction of being the oldest victim after being wounded in the right shoulder.

While police initially reported that two of those wounded were in critical condition following the shooting, law enforcement now say all victims are in stable condition at Kings County Hospital.

According to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, the gunman — who police believe to be a man in his 20s — had a target in mind when he pulled the trigger but did not care who he harmed in the process.

“This was on the cement divider between the service road and the parade route where thousands of people were watching the parade,” Chief Chell said.

In the wake of the shooting, Mayor Eric Adams lamented the shooting at the parade. The NYPD had stepped up security along the full length of the route. 

“The West Indian American Day Parade is a joyous event that celebrates the multitude of culture and diversity in our city. But instead of allowing all to enjoy a momentous occasion for our city, a gunman turned today’s celebration into tragedy when he senselessly fired into the crowd, hitting multiple revelers,” Mayor Adams said in a statement. “The NYPD is investigating this incident, and we are grateful for the brave men and women who quickly responded and helped to ensure New Yorkers could continue to be safe while celebrating. While we are keeping the victims and their families in our prayers as they fight to recover, we know we must do more to combat gun violence and ensure the safety of every New Yorker and visitor.”

Meanwhile, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams expressed his concern over the gun violence.

“I’m praying for the victims of a shooting at Eastern Parkway today, and for their families. The parade is a celebration of joyous expression of cultural heritage, and gun violence should have no place at this event or in our communities,” Williams said. “Many thousands of people gathered on the Parkway in peace and unity with their families and neighbors, yet one person came armed with violent intent. I am sure we’ll learn much more about this shooting in the coming hours and days, and my heart is with not only those who were directly harmed, but the community of New Yorkers feeling pain and fear in a moment which should be festive.”

While cops say the shooter targeted at least one person in the crowd, they declared that the exact motive remains under investigation. 

NYPD officials are asking anyone with information or those who may have been filming at the time of the incident to come forward and provide investigators with video footage to track down the suspect responsible.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the perpetrator’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.