The shooting happened along Danforth Street in Jersey City. Police say a 15 year old says he found a gun, and that's when he and his friend decided to play a potentially deadly game.
The younger teen in the Russian roulette shooting has been charged as a minor.
The injured 17-year-old is recovering at Jersey City Medical Center.
Parents in the neighborhood say the kids need more to do, and that active kids are less likely to engage in harmful acts.
Dozens of parents brought their kids to splash around at one of the city's 3 public pools on Monday, but they say there's room for improvement when it comes to giving teenagers something to do in the summer.
"Back when I was coming up, the Boys and Girls Club was affordable. Now, it's so expensive," Lucretia Jones, Jersey City resident, said.
"It's like, 'Oh school's out. Kick 'em out on the street. Whoever comes back in September, cool.' We have people wanting to feed dogs and cats, but no one wants to train kids, teach them skills," resident John Anthony said.
The new mayor says he is addressing the safety concerns and activities of his city's youth.
"We're expanding after-school programs, summer jobs - stuff we will do immediately," Jersey City Mayor-elect Steven Fulop said.
