Tragedy Strikes at NYC’s West Indian Day Parade with Deadly Shooting

A tragic shooting at the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn, New York, on Labor Day left one person dead and four others injured. The parade, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, turned into a scene of chaos when a gunman fired multiple shots into a crowd near Eastern Parkway, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. The suspect, described as a slim-built male in his 20s wearing a bandana and a paint-splattered brown shirt, is still at large.

The deceased, identified as 25-year-old Denzel A. Chan from Texas, was shot in the abdomen and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Among the injured, a 69-year-old woman was shot in the back, a 64-year-old man in the arm, a 26-year-old man in the head, and a 16-year-old in the arm. All victims were promptly taken to Kings County Hospital. The NYPD emphasized that the parade Itself was not the target, and the shooter’s actions appear to have been directed towards a specific group of people.

Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, who were in attendance at the parade, condemned the violence and called for stronger measures to combat gun violence. “This was an intentional act by one person towards a group of people,” said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, noting that despite the shooting, the parade would continue with a heightened police presence to ensure public safety.

The shooting, which has marred the annual celebration attended by thousands, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was marching in the parade, expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “I’m pained and troubled by the horrible shooting that took place. We must keep working to end gun violence in America.”

Eyewitnesses described the immediate aftermath as chaotic, with parade-goers ducking for cover and calling 911. Despite the tragedy, many attendees vowed not to let the violence overshadow the cultural significance of the event. The NYPD continues to investigate the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in apprehending the suspect.

As New Yorkers grapple with yet another instance of gun violence, community leaders and officials are calling for unity and resilience. Mayor Adams highlighted the need for collective action to ensure that events meant to celebrate diversity and culture are not overshadowed by senseless violence.