Halloween got off to a grim start in Brooklyn on Thursday afternoon when two men were injured in a brazen daylight shooting, authorities confirmed.
According to police sources, officers from the 75th Precinct and Police Service Area 2 rushed to 335 Fountain Ave., just outside of the Cypress Hills NYCHA complex, at around 1:27 p.m. on Oct. 31 after 911 reports of gunfire in the street.
Responding officers say they discovered a 19-year-old boy suffering a graze wound to his back while a 24-year-old man sustained a bullet wound to his shoulder.
EMS rushed both victims to Brookdale University Hospital where they are expected to survive.
Responding officers say they discovered a 19-year-old boy suffering a grazed wound to his back while a 24-year-old man sustained a bullet wound to his shoulder. Photo by Lloyd MitchellResponding officers say they discovered a 19-year-old boy suffering a grazed wound to his back while a 24-year-old man sustained a bullet wound to his shoulder. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Cops say they are looking for two suspects who fled the area but did not immediately have a description of the pair.
“Thank goodness this happened now and not while the young kids were trick-or-treating,” one local resident commented.
New York has seen a spate of shootings involving teenagers with five teens being shot to death since last week. There have been 45 shooting incidents in the confines of the 75th Precinct so far this year, compared to 44 in 2023, according to the NYPD database.
Anyone with information regarding this incident 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.
Cops say they are looking for two suspects who fled the area but did not immediately have a description of the pair. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Today we join every New Yorker celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
I was so proud to sign the bill to make this an official holiday in @NYCSchools. Its message of the triumph of light over darkness is one we need now more than ever.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso paid homage to the world’s first hip-hop comic book character with the unveiling of a Rappin’ Max Robot statue outside Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza.
Standing 18 feet tall and weighing an impressive 7,000 pounds, the metal artwork brings to life the iconic character created by artist Eric Orr in the 1980s.
Reynoso expressed excitement over the community’s engagement with the tribute, saying it captures both the history and future of hip-hop.
The Rappin’ Max Robot sculpture is on display in Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza until April.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
“Hip-hop is so much more than music; it’s culture,” Reynoso said. “When hip-hop was first created over 50 years ago, New Yorkers developed a system of expression that transcends national boundaries and fosters unity. Rappin’ Max Robot epitomizes hip-hop’s evolution — manifesting in forms from breaking to comic books, and now as this monumental metal sculpture crafted by Brooklyn welders.”
Local workforce development organizations, including St. Nicks Alliance, RETI Center, and Welder Underground — the group behind the sculpture’s creation — were also present to connect with community members and offer resources for those aspiring to careers in the skilled trades.
The Rappin’ Max Robot stands proud at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Adina Levin, co-executive director of Welder Underground, spoke about the significance of their work and involvement in this project.
“Welder Underground combines technical expertise with a sense of community, creativity, and purpose,” Levine said. “We’re fostering a movement that revitalizes interest in welding and metal fabrication as a means to positively impact the world.”
Welder Underground, an apprentice welding program for young people, built the Rappin’ Max Robot sculpture, based on Eric Orr’s Hip Hop character.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
The design of Rappin’ Max Robot is rooted in the titular comic book that Eric Orr launched in 1986. This comic was among the first to resonate with the hip-hop community and is now recognized as the first to feature narratives and characters rooted in hip-hop culture. Rappin’ Max Robot has become an enduring icon, symbolizing the genre’s artistic influence.
During the unveiling ceremony, attendees enjoyed vibrant performances by the Brooklyn United Evolution Drumline, musician Aaron Ruperto, and DJ Teeburr, which collectively highlighted the celebratory spirit of hip-hop culture.
The Brooklyn United Drumline showed off their talent at the unveiling of Rappin’ Max Robot.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
After its debut in Brooklyn, Rappin’ Max Robot will be initially installed outside the Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx before continuing its journey to Paris.
Following a six-month stay at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza, the statue will be permanently installed at Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad, further solidifying the cultural bridges built through the shared language of art and hip-hop across cities and continents.
Through this sculpture, Reynoso aims to foster community engagement and appreciation for hip-hop’s rich history while inspiring the next generation to explore their creativity, celebrate cultural heritage, and pursue careers in the arts and trades.
“Our borough has played such an important role elevating hip-hop into a global force,” he said, “nd I’m thrilled Brooklynites can enjoy this special tribute before it is permanently installed in Paris.”
