Gunman Opens Fire at Coney Island Barbecue

A masked shooter opened fire at a family barbecue in Coney Island, New York City, injuring at least eight people, including four children. One of the victims is in critical condition, as reported by authorities.

The NYPD stated the suspect, dressed in all black and wearing a ski mask, approached the gathering Saturday night and discharged several rounds before fleeing the scene on foot.

Among the injured are a 33-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, both shot in the chest; a 37-year-old man who sustained a shoulder injury; as well as a 6-year-old boy shot in the stomach. Additionally, a 25-year-old woman and three boys aged 7, 12, and 14 were also hurt.

“All victims were transported to local hospitals where seven are in stable condition,” the NYPD said. “The 21-year-old woman is reported as critical.”

This incident took place around 10:35 p.m. local time in a busy Brooklyn area close to where a fireworks show had occurred just an hour earlier.

During a press conference on Sunday, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that the victims were discovered in a courtyard where families were enjoying a barbecue.

“An unknown male approached the fence line, fired multiple rounds into the courtyard, and then fled on foot,” Tisch explained. “There’s no indication that an argument or altercation preceded the shooting.”

Police recovered a TEC-9-style firearm with an extended magazine and 10 spent shell casings from the scene, but no arrests had been made as of now, according to Tisch.

She also mentioned a confirmed gang-related homicide on the same block earlier in the week, stating that they’re looking into a possible connection between the two incidents.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also addressed the situation during the briefing, saying there’s “no place in our city for this kind of violence.”

“We will not tolerate it,” he asserted. “And we will fight it with every tool at our disposal.”

The area remains cordoned off with police tape, and abandoned bicycles lay scattered on the sidewalk.

Coney Island resident Nsowaa Stewart expressed her outrage over the violent incident, particularly given that children were involved.

“This is an emergency, and this has to be addressed,” she told NBC New York at the scene. “It’s horrifying to see bikes and children’s toys there. This can’t happen again.”

As the nation marked its 250th anniversary, reports indicated at least six mass shootings occurred across the U.S. on Saturday, with additional incidents reported on Sunday morning.