On Monday afternoon at approximately 1:45 p.m., a tragic event unfolded during New York City’s West Indian Day Parade. Five people were shot, one fatally, by an individual who intentionally targeted a group of parade-goers. New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Patrol John Chell confirmed the news and assured the public that there was no active shooter situation in Eastern Parkway.
The deceased individual was a 25-year-old man, who succumbed to his injuries after being shot in the abdomen, as reported by FOX 5 NY. At this time, the suspect remains at large and has been described by Chell as “a man in his 20s with a slim build who was last seen wearing a brown shirt with paint stains and a black bandanna.
In an effort to apprehend the suspect, Chief of Patrol Chell made a public appeal for any witnesses or bystanders present during the shooting to provide NYPD with any cell phone footage captured at the scene.
New York City has long been known as one of the nation’s most strict gun control states. In fact, according to data from Mike Bloomberg-affiliated organization Everytown for Gun Safety, New York ranks No. 2 in the country when it comes to gun control policies, with only California surpassing its stringent measures.
As the investigation into this shocking incident continues, authorities are urging anyone with information or evidence related to the shooter’s identity and actions to come forward. The community is left grappling with the tragic consequences of violence at a beloved cultural event that celebrates New York City’s diverse heritage.