One person died on Monday following a shooting at the West Indian American Day Parade in Crown Heights.
An unknown shooter in his 20s opened fire on the crowd near 307 Eastern Parkway at around 2:30pm Monday, injuring four people and killing Denzel A. Chan, 25, of Texas, according to the New York Times.
The four other victims, including a 16-year-old boy and a 69-year-old woman, were in stable condition on Tuesday morning, the paper said.
John Chell, NYPD Chief of Patrol, said the the incident was a targeted attack and that the police launched a search for the shooter.
The incident sparked calls for tighter gun control by New York City leaders.
"Every American should be able to celebrate their heritage without the threat of gun violence," said Hakeen Jeffries, minority leader of the U.S. House of Representative and a frequent attendee of the parade. "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."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and West Indian American Day Carnival Association President Roger Archibald issued a joint statement, expressing their deep concern over the incident.
"The West Indian American Day Parade is a joyous event that celebrates the multitude of cultures 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 statement read.
Adams and Archibald also called for stronger measures to combat gun violence.
"We must do more to combat gun violence and ensure the safety of every New Yorker and visitor," they said.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams echoed these sentiments while commending emergency services for their swift response.
"I am grateful to the emergency personnel who quickly responded, and know that sadly, this issue is not confined to one event, weekend, or neighborhood – we must do much more to combat the plague of gun violence, every day of the year and across the entire city," Williams said.
