BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Five people were shot on Monday during the West Indian American Day festival parade in Brooklyn when a man opened fire into the crowd, leaving two of the victims in critical condition. The shooting took place on Eastern Parkway near the corner of Franklin Avenue.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell stated in a news conference that the suspect intentionally targeted a group of people during the parade. “One person intentionally going after a group of people tried to ruin the day for everybody, and we’re not going to let that happen,” Chell said.
Among the victims, four were men and one was a woman. Two of the victims are in critical condition, while the other three are expected to survive. Despite the shooting, Chell emphasized that there was no active shooter situation, and the parade continued as planned.
Authorities are still searching for the suspect, described as a Black man in his 20s with a slim build, wearing a black shirt with paint stains and a black bandanna. Chell mentioned that the police believe the shooting was “not random,” but the motive remains unclear.
The NYPD has a heavy presence at the parade and will continue to work through the night to ensure the safety of the community. Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to contact the police.
