Eight people suffered gunshot wounds in Coney Island on Saturday night during a Fourth of July fireworks display. The incident involved two young boys, aged six and seven, and a 21-year-old woman who was critically injured, according to police reports.
The shooting occurred at 10:37 p.m. on West 31st Street near Surf Avenue, close to the Coney Island boardwalk. Police were responding to a 911 call reporting gunfire in the area, where large crowds had gathered for the fireworks that commenced at 10 p.m.
The victims’ ages ranged from six to 37 years. Among those shot were four boys aged six, seven, 12, and 14. The seven-year-old sustained injuries to both legs, and the six-year-old was shot in the abdomen. All of the young victims are expected to recover.
Authorities have not determined a motive for the shooting. No arrests have been made, and the shooter remains unidentified.
Reporter Ali Watkins, based in Belfast, covers international news for The Times.