An 18-year-old man was fatally shot and a young woman seriously injured in a disturbing incident that took place just across the street from a Brooklyn school on Friday afternoon, leaving the community shaken and calling for answers.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the shooting happened around 2:50 PM outside the Brooklyn Ascend Charter School near the intersection of East 43rd Street and Avenue J in East Flatbush. At the time of the shooting, many students were still inside the school building.
The male victim, who the police have not officially named, was shot in the chest and collapsed on the sidewalk. Paramedics rushed him to Kings County Hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The second victim, believed to be in her early twenties, was shot in the arm. She was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive. Police have not released her name either, citing the need to notify family members and ongoing investigation procedures.
What Witnesses Saw
Several residents and nearby shopkeepers reported hearing at least five gunshots and then screams. “It was chaos,” said one witness who lives in an apartment overlooking the scene. “Kids were screaming, running back into the school building. It was terrifying.”
Parents quickly began arriving at the school after hearing news of the shooting, some crying as they waited for their children. Authorities confirmed that none of the school students were harmed, but the incident has raised fresh concerns about gun violence in school zones.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Saturday morning, police say no arrests have been made. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and buildings in the area. Early reports suggest that the shooting may have been targeted and not a random act.
Law enforcement sources stated that the victims may have known each other, though this has not been officially confirmed. Authorities are also examining the possibility of gang involvement, as East Flatbush has seen several gang-related shootings in the past year.
The NYPD has urged anyone with information to come forward, either by calling their Crime Stoppers hotline or submitting anonymous tips through the department’s website.
Crime Stoppers: https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/
NYPD Tip Line: 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)
Community Reacts
Community leaders and local officials expressed anger and sadness after the news broke. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso stated on X (formerly Twitter), “We can’t accept this as normal. Gun violence has no place near our schools or anywhere else. My heart breaks for the victims and their families.”
The school issued a brief statement by Friday evening, saying that all students and staff were safe and that mental health professionals would be available on campus in the coming days.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrific incident. We are working with the NYPD to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff,” the statement read.
Violence Near Schools on the Rise
This incident adds to growing concerns over safety near educational institutions in New York City. According to NYPD crime statistics, there has been a noticeable increase in shootings near school zones in the past 12 months, with some neighborhoods reporting double-digit percentage rises.
Gun control advocates are once again calling for more resources and security measures near schools. “It’s not just about metal detectors or police presence. It’s about tackling the root causes of youth violence,” said a representative from Moms Demand Action, a national gun reform group.
Mayor Responds
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in, calling the incident “another tragic example of why we must double down on our efforts to stop illegal guns from hitting our streets.”
Speaking to the press, Adams emphasized the city’s commitment to community policing and violence prevention programs. He added, “We will not let our communities become crime zones. We are pushing back against this violence with everything we’ve got.”
What’s Next
As investigations continue, extra patrols have been deployed in the East Flatbush area. NYPD has promised increased visibility around school dismissal times in the coming days.
This tragedy serves as another reminder of how gun violence can erupt in the most unexpected places, even within steps of where children go to learn. The community is now left with grief, fear, and the hope that justice will soon be served.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
