New York, NY — Three individuals were injured during a violent attack at a Bronx cookout, capping off a grim two days of violence in New York City that also saw two men fatally shot in upper Manhattan. The events cast a shadow over the city as it grapples with a troubling surge in gun violence.
On Monday evening, around 6 p.m., a gathering in Williamsbridge on E. 221st St. near Bronxwood Ave. turned chaotic when a shooter unleashed a barrage of bullets, striking at least 10 shots towards the attendees. Police arrived at the scene to find a 27-year-old man shot in the right hand and a 21-year-old man with injuries to his back and left armpit.
Both victims were transported to Jacobi Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. A third victim, a 33-year-old man, later presented himself at the same hospital with two gunshot wounds to his right leg, also sustained in the shooting. He, too, was expected to recover, underscoring a fortunate escape from what could have been a much deadlier incident.
The violence in the Bronx followed closely on the heels of another tragic event the night before. Around 11:40 p.m. Sunday, a masked gunman opened fire in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan. Outside the Blue Sky Smoke Shop located at W. 207th St. and Tenth Ave., the assailant killed two men, ages 44 and 45. While one man was pronounced dead at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, the other succumbed to a critical injury to the face at Harlem Hospital.
An unintended victim, a 36-year-old man, was also caught in the crossfire while having a phone conversation nearby. Fortunately, he only suffered a minor injury when a stray bullet grazed his knee.
The back-to-back shootings have raised alarms about the rising gun violence in New York City, particularly as the incidents occurred during what is usually a festive time of the year. Community members express concerns that the warmer months could bring more violence. Noel Martinez, a superintendent in the area, shared his anxieties with reporters, noting the recurrent troubles in the neighborhood. “There’s always drama in that building, always stabbings and shootouts, especially in the summer,” he said.
These events join a troubling trend of increased shootings in various parts of the city, prompting police to ramp up their efforts in handling crime and ensuring public safety. Officials and community leaders are calling for unity and increased vigilance to prevent further tragedies.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with either shooting, leaving the community anxious for justice and the restoration of peace. Police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward as investigations continue.
The recent spate of violence underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces with gun control and public safety, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address the complex social issues contributing to the surge in violence.