Details of the Shootings
The first incident happened just before 10:45 PM at Steuben Playground, located at the intersection of Flushing Avenue and Steuben Street. Police found a man in his 30s who had been shot in the chest. He was transported to Methodist Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Less than ten minutes later, another shooting took place a few blocks away, outside a migrant shelter on Ryerson Street. In this incident, a man in his 40s was shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Additionally, another man in his 30s was shot multiple times and is in stable condition.
Investigation Status
Police are still investigating the motive behind the shootings and are questioning individuals in the area. Evidence markers are in place at the crime scenes. There are no immediate descriptions of any suspects. However, investigators are looking into whether a scooter-riding gunman was struck by a car near Taft Place and Park Avenue while fleeing the scene.
Community Impact
The playground where the first shooting occurred is frequently populated with food, clothing, mattresses, single men, and families, reflecting a crowded and possibly overpacked situation at the nearby shelter. According to the latest NYPD crime statistics, shooting incidents in the 88th Precinct have decreased year-to-date from six to two, and shooting victims have decreased from seven to three, not including the latest victims.
Law Enforcement and Victim Information
Law enforcement sources indicate that all three victims, including the two deceased and the critically injured individual, are migrants. No arrests have been made at this time.
