A Fourth of July night in Brooklyn turned into chaos after gunfire erupted near Coney Island, leaving eight people wounded, including four children, according to reports.
The shooting happened around 10:35 p.m. Saturday near West 30th Street and Surf Avenue, close to the Seapark Apartments and not far from where people had gathered to watch holiday fireworks. What began as a night of celebration quickly became a frightening scene as police and emergency responders rushed to help the victims.
Reports said the victims included several adults and children between the ages of 6 and 14. A 21-year-old woman was listed in critical condition after being shot in the chest, while the other victims were reported to be in stable condition. The injured children reportedly suffered wounds to the stomach, legs, or thigh.
Video from the scene showed officers carrying young victims away from the area as ambulances arrived. Witnesses described panic after the shots rang out, with some people initially unsure whether the sounds were fireworks or gunfire.
Authorities have not yet confirmed what led to the shooting or how many gunmen were involved. Police were said to be investigating the scene, and a firearm was reportedly found in a bag near trees close to the area.
The shooting happened during one of New York City’s busiest holiday nights, when thousands of residents and visitors gather across the city to watch fireworks and celebrate Independence Day. For families in Coney Island, the night ended in fear instead of celebration.
No arrests had been immediately reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.
