A mass shooting occurred at the lively West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on Monday, injuring five people in what authorities are calling a “intentional act.”
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the shooting took place around 2:35 p.m. along the 300 block of Eastern Parkway, when a male suspect opened fire into a crowd during the parade.
The parade, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, drew a large crowd, with nearly one million people dressed in colorful attire. However, the joyful atmosphere was shattered when the gunman opened fire on the crowd, causing chaos and panic. The NYPD confirmed that the shooting was targeted, though the motive is unknown.
Two of the five people shot received critical injuries. One man was shot in the head, another in the torso, and others received injuries to their arms, wrists, and shoulders. The victims’ identities and the specifics of their conditions have not been disclosed.
Witnesses described the shocking turn of events, with many initially unaware of the gunfire due to the loud music and festivities.
“I didn’t hear the shots because the music was so loud, but I could feel the change in the air right away,” said Jalissa Bailey, a parade attendee. “Everybody was celebrating, and then suddenly people were screaming and running.”
The NYPD responded quickly, but the shooter was able to flee the scene. Authorities describe the suspect as a man in his twenties dressed in a dark shirt with paint stains and a bandana. Despite the gravity of the situation, police stressed that there is no ongoing threat to the larger community because this was not a “active shooter” scenario.
Following the shooting, the West Indian Day Parade, which takes place every year on the first Monday of September, continued. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell assured the public that the parade would go ahead as planned, with law enforcement keeping a strong presence to ensure safety.
The shooting has brought renewed attention to the parade’s history of violence, despite recent efforts to improve security. There have been previous incidents of violence at the event, including multiple shootings in 2015 and 2016. In an effort to prevent such incidents, the NYPD implemented additional security measures, such as metal detectors and drones, earlier this year.
As the investigation continues, the NYPD encourages anyone with video footage or information about the shooting to come forward.
“We are going to solve this, but it will take a lot of work,” said Chief Chell.
The West Indian Day Parade, a major cultural event in New York City, commemorates Caribbean heritage through music, dance, and vibrant costumes. While Monday’s shooting put a damper on the festivities, participants and organizers remain committed to the event’s spirit, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of tragedy.
The Daily Mail, New York Post and People contributed to this report.
