Shooting mars West Indian American Day Carnival Parade
NEW YORK, CMC – The annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade on Monday was marred by a shooting incident near the end of the parade route, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The NYPD reported that at least five people were shot and wounded.
“This was not random; this was an intentional act,” said Chief of Patrol John Chell, adding that the suspected gunman apparently stood on a concrete divider on Eastern Parkway and fired multiple shots into the crowd of nearby spectators.
The NYPD identified the victims, who are all listed in stable condition, as follows: a 69-year-old woman who was shot in the back right shoulder; a 64-year-old man who was shot in the right arm; a 36-year-old man who was shot in the head; a 25-year-old man who was shot in the abdomen; and a 16-year-old male who was shot in the left arm.
The NYPD stated that the gunman, believed to be in his 20s, fled the scene on foot and is still at large.
United States House of Representatives Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, who represents Crown Heights, said he was “saddened and horrified” by the shooting.
“My prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. The parade is a beautiful display of culture and community that I have been honored to attend over the years, including this year. Every American should be able to celebrate their heritage without the threat of gun violence.
“No one in Brooklyn, New York, or America is safe until we get weapons of war off our streets. America cannot be the best version of herself until we crush the scourge of gun violence once and for all,” he added.
However, many spectators and masqueraders were unaware of the shooting that temporarily disrupted a part of the gigantic celebration in picture-perfect weather, as millions converged on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway for the spectacular event.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organiser of the event, said over three million spectators, largely behind police barricades, participated in the 57th year of Caribbean culture, cuisine, mas, and steel band music.
