As thousands celebrated West Indian American Day in Brooklyn on Monday, an altercation resulted in the shooting of five people, according to police.
A senior law enforcement source at the scene near Eastern Parkway and Franklin Avenue said a gunman stood at the parade barrier on the north side of the Eastern Parkway service road and opened fire on the crowd.
An NYPD spokesman told NBC New York that the annual parade, one of the world’s largest gatherings of the Caribbean diaspora, did not appear to be the target of the shooting that left at least two people in critical condition.
At a news conference near the Brooklyn Museum, NYPD officials said the investigation was ongoing and that no suspects had been arrested. Authorities are looking for a gunman in his 20s who was wearing a brown shirt with paint stains, as well as a black bandana.
“This was a deliberate act by one person against a group of people. There is absolutely no active shooting or anything of that nature going on around Eastern Parkway as we speak,” said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, adding that the parade will continue into the night with a heavy police presence.
Among those participating in Monday’s parade were top NYPD brass, Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Cathy Hochul.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was also marching in the parade at the time and completed the route.
“I am saddened and disturbed by the horrific shooting that took place while marching together at the West Indian Day Festival and Parade in Brooklyn,” Schumer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Thank you to our 1st responders on scene. I pray for everyone affected. We must continue to work to end gun violence in America.”
Brooklyn, where thousands of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants have settled, began hosting parades in the 1960s.
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