News Americas, New York, NY, 4 September 2024: A 25-year-old man tragically died Tuesday from his injuries after a suspect opened fire on a crowd along the New York West Indian Day Carnival Parade route in Brooklyn, NY, Monday.
The victim, identified as Denzel Chan, was shot in the abdomen, while four others were injured in the incident. Authorities have described the shooting as gang-related and a targeted attack on a specific group.
The gunman reportedly stood on a cement divider on Eastern Parkway near Classon Avenue and fired into the crowd of thousands gathered for the celebration, according to police.
Authorities are actively searching for the suspect, described as a man in his 20s, dressed in all brown with oil or paint stains on his shirt and a black bandage. He was last seen fleeing westbound on Classon Avenue.
The NYPD urges anyone with video footage or information about the incident to contact them at 1-800-577-TIPS. Anonymous tips are welcome.
NYPD officials continue to release new information on the investigation and the conditions of the victims. “I know that a person has died. Our hearts go out to the families because you go out to celebrate, you don’t want to go out and have the violence that we’ve seen in the past,” said Mayor Eric Adams. He acknowledged that while the parade attracts an element of individuals intent on violence, the collective efforts of the community help prevent further harm.
Among the injured was 64-year-old Marius Sirju, who had not participated in the parade for decades due to security concerns, but was present this year while visiting family. He described the sudden chaos when the shooting began. “And then shots started ringing and I didn’t realize I was hit by a bullet,” he recounts. “I felt a burning sensation on my shoulder… I saw blood. That’s when I realized that I was shot.” Sirju was hit on the right side and grazed on the left. He sought help at his brother’s apartment before being taken to hospital.
Sirju’s 69-year-old sister-in-law, who has been visiting for several months, was also injured, and suffered a gunshot wound to her right back shoulder. Also, a 36-year-old man was shot in the head and a 16-year-old boy was wounded in the left arm.
The American West Indian Day Carnival, which celebrates the region’s vibrant culture, has been marred by violence in recent years. As a result, the NYPD had increased security measures for the event. Over the weekend, 25 guns were taken off the streets, including 10 seized along the parade route. Mayor Adams emphasized that the city will not allow a “numerical minority” to disrupt public safety and stressed the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
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