by Brooklyn, New York – A deadly shooting at a crowded nightclub in Crown Heights early Sunday morning left three men dead and nine others injured, as police search for multiple suspects believed to have opened fire inside the venue.
The incident occurred around 3:27 a.m. at the Taste of the City Lounge on Franklin Avenue, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who briefed reporters later in the day.
A Violent Dispute Inside the Club
Authorities said the shooting began after a dispute broke out among patrons inside the packed nightclub.
“What we know preliminarily is that there was a dispute inside the crowded club that led to the shooting,” Tisch explained. “We believe that there were up to four shooters involved in this incident.”
Police are treating the shooting as gang-related. No arrests have been made so far, and investigators are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Victims Identified
According to NBC News, Three men, ages 19, 27, and 35, were killed in the gunfire. The names of the victims have not yet been released pending family notification.
Nine other people were injured, though their wounds were described as non-life-threatening. They were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Commissioner Tisch said investigators recovered 42 shell casings at the scene from both 9mm and .45-caliber firearms. A weapon was found nearby, though police have not confirmed whether it was used in the shooting.
“A Terrible Thing That Happened”
Speaking at the press conference, Tisch emphasized the gravity of the violence.
“It’s a terrible thing that happened this morning, and we’re going to investigate to determine what went down,” she said.
Mayor Eric Adams also addressed the shooting, visiting the crime scene later in the day. Adams expressed concerns about possible retaliatory violence in the aftermath of the attack and confirmed that crisis management teams have been deployed in the community to help ease tensions.
“Gun violence of this magnitude, it really scars a community and a city,” Adams said. He reiterated his call for stronger efforts at the city, state, and federal levels to stop the flow of illegal guns into New York City.
The Club’s Response
The Taste of the City Lounge issued a statement on its Instagram story expressing grief and solidarity with the victims’ families.
“We are devastated by the events that occurred,” the statement read. “The safety and well-being of our guests and community has always been our top priority. We are working closely with law enforcement and will continue to fully cooperate as the investigation moves forward.”
A City Struggling With Gun Violence
The Crown Heights shooting highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in New York City, particularly incidents linked to gang activity.
Mayor Adams, who is currently campaigning for re-election, has made public safety a central issue of his platform. He said Sunday’s tragedy underscores the urgent need for coordinated strategies to address illegal firearms and community violence.
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“We have to do more, collectively, to keep guns out of the hands of those who use them to destroy lives,” Adams told reporters.
What Happens Next?
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, speaking with witnesses, and tracing the recovered firearm as part of their efforts to track down the shooters.
Officials have urged anyone with information to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.
For now, the Crown Heights neighborhood is grappling with shock, grief, and uncertainty, as residents mourn the victims and brace for possible aftershocks in the form of retaliation.
What do you think New York City needs to do to curb rising gun violence? Should stronger laws be passed, or should more focus go toward community programs? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
