On Monday, September 2, 2024, a shooting incident occurred during the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn, New York, resulting in five people being shot[1][2].
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams and West Indian American Day Carnival Association President Roger Archibald tonight released the following statement on the shooting that occurred earlier today at the West Indian American Day Parade:
“The West Indian American Day Parade is a joyous event that celebrates the multitude of culture and diversity in our city. But instead of allowing all to enjoy a momentous occasion for our city, a gunman turned today’s celebration into tragedy when he senselessly fired into the crowd, hitting multiple revelers. The NYPD is investigating this incident, and we are grateful for the brave men and women who quickly responded and helped to ensure New Yorkers could continue to be safe while celebrating. While we are keeping the victims and their families in our prayers as they fight to recover, we know we must do more to combat gun violence and ensure the safety of every New Yorker and visitor.”
September 2, 2024 New York NY
Sources: Midtown Tribune news , NYC.gov
Big New York news BigNY.com
Here are the key details of the incident:
The Shooting
The shooting took place around 2:35 PM near Eastern Parkway and Franklin Avenue, along the parade route[1][2]. A gunman, described as a man in his 20s wearing a brown shirt with paint stains and a black bandana, climbed onto a parade barrier on the northern side of the Eastern Parkway service road and began firing into the crowd[1].
Victims and Injuries
- Five people were shot: four males and one female[5]
- Two victims are in critical condition, while the other three have non-life-threatening injuries[2][5]
Investigation and Response
The NYPD has stated that this was not a random act but an intentional shooting targeting a specific group of people[2]. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, and the gunman remains at large[1]. Police are actively investigating the incident and have requested that anyone with video footage of the shooting contact them via the Crime Stoppers tipline[5].
Impact on the Parade
Despite the shooting, authorities decided to allow the parade to continue:
- The parade, which began hours earlier, was expected to proceed throughout the night with a significant police presence[1]
- NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell emphasized that there was no ongoing active shooting situation along Eastern Parkway[1]
Background on the Event
The West Indian American Day Parade is an annual Labor Day event celebrating Caribbean culture:
- It is one of the world’s largest celebrations of Caribbean heritage[2]
- The parade has its roots in pre-Lent Carnival celebrations started by a Trinidadian immigrant in Manhattan about a century ago[2]
- Brooklyn began hosting the parade in the 1960s[2]
Unfortunately, this is not the first time the parade has been marred by violence, with previous incidents occurring in recent years[2].
Citations:
[1] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/multiple-people-shot-west-indian-american-day-parade-brooklyn-police-rcna169271
[2] https://www.voanews.com/a/people-shot-at-new-york-s-west-indian-american-day-parade-/7768781.html
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYB9VFATmK8
[4] https://www.nbcnews.com/video/multiple-people-shot-near-west-indian-parade-in-brooklyn-218482245645
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qssdWnf70Bw
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HPs3H0ocQQ