Authorities in New York City are on the lookout for the gunman responsible for the shooting death of 15-year-old Jaden Pierre in Queens.
According to the NYPD, Jaden was approached by a group of teens at a basketball court in Roy Wilkins Park around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday. During this encounter, a shot was fired, hitting him in the chest.
He was taken to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition, but ultimately did not survive.
This tragic incident, occurring in a park filled with teenagers playing basketball, is part of a troubling trend of youth violence in the city, which is often captured and shared on social media.
One witness recounted to CBS News, “I came here and heard the shot. I ran over to check on everyone, especially my friends. I saw a kid lying on the ground. He was here to play basketball—a really good player, a cool kid.”
Footage circulating on X shows the moments leading up to the shooting, where a crowd gathers around Jaden and another individual, which escalates into a physical altercation before the group disperses quickly.
As of Saturday, no arrests have been made, though the NYPD has released a photograph of a person they wish to speak with regarding the shooting.
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed her sorrow over the incident on X, stating, “My heart is heavy tonight as we lost a 15-year-old to a senseless act of gun violence. I pray for his family, loved ones, and community. I will continue to work tirelessly every day to end gun violence in New York.”
Pastor Corey Brooks, founder of Project HOOD, criticized the bystanders who filmed the attack instead of intervening, expressing his broken heart over the ordeal. He said, “A 15-year-old child was cornered, beaten, and shot in cold blood, on the playground where laughter should be.” His comments reflect a deep sense of disappointment and sadness regarding the responses of those witnessing the violence.
Law enforcement is encouraging anyone with knowledge regarding the shooting to reach out via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. People can also submit tips online through the Crime Stoppers website or via X (@NYPDTIPS).
