Police in New York City are urging the public for help in identifying a suspect who shot five people at New York City’s West Indian American Day Parade on Monday in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights.
One of the victims, a 25-year-old who was shot in the abdomen, has died, a spokesperson for the NYPD told ABC News on Tuesday. Police have not named the victims, but NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said during a press conference on Monday afternoon that of the five victims, four are males and one is female.
“Two are critical. Three are going to survive,” Chell said.
The event is one of the world’s largest festivals celebrating Caribbean culture, drawing more than a million participants and spectators, according to event organizers.
Police move revelers from the street after a shooting on Eastern Parkway, near the corner of Franklin Avenue, during the West Indian Day Parade, Sept. 2, 2024, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.
Andres Kudacki/AP
According to Chell, an unidentified gunman targeted a group of people in a shooting that took place at around 2:35 p.m. ET along the parade’s route near 301 Eastern Parkway.
“This was not random,” Chell said. “This was an intentional act by one person towards a group of people.”
“We do not by no means have any active shooter or anything of that nature running around Eastern Parkway as we speak,” he added and indicated that the parade would go on following the shooting.
According to WABC, the four other victims include a 69-year-old woman shot in the back right shoulder, a 64-year-old man shot in the right arm, a 36-year-old man shot in the head and a 16-year-old male who was shot in the left arm.
Chell described the suspect as a Black male in his 20s with a slim build, wearing a brown shirt with paint stains and a black bandana.
The NYPD is urging the public to share any photos of videos of the parade that could help the investigation.
“If you have any information at all about the individual who opened fire into the crowd of West Indian Day Parade revelers, we need you to call [NYPDTips] immediately,” the NYPD’s 77th precinct wrote in a Monday afternoon post on “X.” “If you have video or photo, it may be crucial to the investigation; please come forward with it.”
Revelers march at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Eastern Parkway during the West Indian Day Parade on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.
Andres Kudacki/AP
The festival, which is also known as J’Ouvert – a creole and French word that means “daybreak,” has been marred by gun violence in the past, according to ABC station in New York City, WABC.
The NYPD said that Labor Day weekend is “one of the toughest” weekends for police in the city, with multiple events taking place, including the festival.
“Our cops are working extremely hard, it’s been one of the safest months that we’ve had in a long time in New York City, and we have one of our safest weeks with shooting violence,” police said. “However, today, 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.”
ABC News’ Aaron Katersky contributed to this report.
A manhunt is currently underway in New York City for a suspect responsible for a fatal shooting and injuries at the West Indian American Day Parade. The annual parade, which celebrates Caribbean culture and heritage, turned tragic on Monday when gunfire erupted, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The shooting took place near the parade route in Brooklyn, where thousands of spectators had gathered to watch the colorful floats and dancers make their way down Eastern Parkway. The chaos that ensued after the shots rang out sent people running for cover and left many in shock and disbelief.
Police have identified the suspect as a male in his 20s, but his name has not been released to the public. Authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among community leaders and residents, who are calling for an end to the senseless violence that plagues their neighborhoods. Many are questioning how such a tragedy could occur at an event meant to celebrate unity and diversity.
In response to the shooting, city officials have increased police presence at future events and are working to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators. Mayor Bill de Blasio has condemned the violence and vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The West Indian American Day Parade has long been a cherished tradition in New York City, drawing people from all walks of life to celebrate Caribbean culture and heritage. The senseless act of violence that occurred this year has cast a dark shadow over what is normally a joyous and festive occasion.
As the manhunt for the suspect continues, the community is coming together to support the victims and their families, and to demand justice for those affected by this tragic event. It is a stark reminder of the need for peace and unity in our communities, and the importance of coming together to stand against violence and crime.
