A gunman opened fire into a crowd along the route of New York City’s West Indian American Day Parade, striking at least five people. The incident, described as an “intentional act,” occurred in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood around 2:30 p.m. The shooter, targeting a specific group, hit four males and one female, with two victims in critical condition. Police Chief John Chell stated that there is an “abundance of video” of the shooting and urged witnesses to come forward.
Despite the shooting, the parade continued into the nighttime, with Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul in attendance. Adams and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed their condolences for the victims and called for action against gun violence. The festival, celebrating Caribbean culture, is the city’s largest and draws thousands of people annually.
This is not the first time violence has marred the event, with previous incidents of shootings during the early morning J’Ouvert festivities and the parade itself. The city has faced challenges in ensuring the safety of participants and attendees at the West Indian American Day Parade, and the recent shooting underscores the need for continued efforts in combating gun violence in America.
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