A tragic mass shooting in Brooklyn left three people dead and nine others wounded early Sunday morning at the Taste of the City lounge in Crown Heights.
Police believe the gunfire, which erupted just before 3:30 a.m., may have been gang-related.
Authorities said nine men and three women, ranging in age from 19 to 61, were shot inside the club on Franklin Avenue. A 19-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 27-year-old and a 35-year-old later died from their injuries at a hospital. The nine surviving victims are being treated for non-life-threatening wounds at nearby hospitals, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Chaos Inside the Club
Witnesses described panic as shots rang out. Marie, a mother of two who was near the entrance of the lounge, recalled ducking to the floor as bullets flew. “I just heard a couple of gun shots. I laid on the floor and when I found a way to get out, I looked and looked and got out because I was right there close to the door,” she told Eyewitness News.
Video from inside showed dozens of people rushing to escape, with some injured in the crush of the fleeing crowd. Witnesses said an argument between two groups had broken out earlier but seemed to calm down before tensions flared again, leading to gunfire.
Police Investigation
Commissioner Tisch said investigators believe up to four shooters were involved. At least 42 shell casings from multiple firearms were recovered at the scene. A gun was also found near Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway, though police are still determining whether it was linked to the shooting.
The NYPD has not made any arrests. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward, stressing that eyewitness accounts could be critical in piecing together what happened.
A Pattern of Violence
This is not the first time violence has struck outside the same Crown Heights venue. In November, a 28-year-old man was shot and injured near the lounge. The business released a statement emphasizing that “the safety and well-being of our guests and community has always been our top priority.”
Mayor Eric Adams called the shooting deeply concerning, pointing to the risk of retaliatory violence in gang-related cases. “After gang-involved shootings, you can have retaliatory actions,” Adams warned. Tisch added that as many as 60 percent of shootings in New York City are tied to gang disputes.
City Response
In the wake of the attack, Adams announced that New York City would “mobilize its mass shooting plan,” deploying crisis management teams to the area. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to removing illegal firearms from the streets. “The gun violence of this magnitude really scars a community and a city. We will continue our aggressive pursuit to remove these illegal guns off our streets,” the mayor said.
For Marie, who survived the terrifying night, the experience has left her shaken. “In my mind it was, ‘God please help me, help me find my way to get out,’ and I found my way out and I was like, ‘thank you,’” she said. She added it was her first and last visit to the lounge.
The investigation into the Brooklyn lounge shooting remains ongoing, with police canvassing the neighborhood for more evidence and urging witnesses to come forward.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
