5 shot after gunman opens fire into crowd along New York Caribbean Carnival parade route: police
CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (WABC) -- 5 people were shot after a suspect fired a weapon into a crowd along the New York Caribbean Carnival parade route on Monday, police said.
Police said the shooting was an intentional act toward a group of people.
The suspect stood on the cement divider on Eastern Parkway and fired into the crowd of thousands who were watching the parade, police said.
"This was not random. This was an intentional act," Chief of Patrol John Chell said.
Reports of a shooting happened near Classon Avenue and Eastern Parkway.
Most of the vendors who were near the shooting at the time didn't even notice what happened.
"I was just busy cooking. I didn't hear because of the loud noise of the music," Dwight Davis said.
The thumping rhythms of the Caribbean carnival music drowned out the gunfire.
Police were already close and paramedics quickly scooped up those who were injured.
Police said 4 males and 1 female between the ages of 16 and 69 were stuck by the gunfire.
"It's horrible because we're all out here to celebrate our cultures, to celebrate all our different mixture of cultures together and its taking away from that," Gabriela Russell from the Bronx said.
Police said all 5 victims are now in stable condition.
Police said the victims include:
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.
A 16-year-old male was shot in the left arm.
At least one person is still being sought.
The suspect is described as a man in his 20s wearing all brown, oil/paint stains on the shirt, black bandana, and fled on foot Westbound on Classon Avenue, police said.
Chell said the department has put in an incredible amount of work all holiday weekend already to keep the area as secure as possible for J'ouvert and the parade,.
"However today, one person intentionally going after a group of people tried to ruin the day for everybody," Chell said.
Police are asking the public to come forward with any video of the incident that may be helpful to their investigation.
If you have any video or information police would like to hear from you at 1800 577 TIPS where you always have the option to keep it anonymous.
Many who love this cultural tradition are once again disappointed that someone would bring and use a gun to what's supposed to be a show of unity.
"It's a shame that something like that would happen on such a beautiful day. It shouldn't happen any day, but this is such a special day. They shouldn't come out here with the violence because this is all about love, music, and culture," Randy Isaac, a musician in the parade said.
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:
"I am saddened and horrified by today's shooting at the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn. 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."
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
