Coney Island family barbecue turns into mass shooting; 8 people shot, including 4 children
The 21‑year‑old woman is critically injured, while all other victims are expected to recover, according to Tisch.
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A Fourth of July celebration in Coney Island turned into a night of chaos and gunfire after police say eight people, including four children, were shot during a family barbecue on Surf Avenue.
A 21-year-old woman, identified by relatives as Daisha, remains in critical condition as investigators continue searching for a suspect in what police are calling a mass shooting.
Police say the shooting unfolded just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday at 2929 West 31st St., where a family gathering was underway in a courtyard.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, an unknown man dressed in all black and wearing a ski mask opened fire through a fence, shooting multiple rounds into the crowd before fleeing south on West 30th Street toward Surf Avenue. A firearm was later recovered at the scene.
Witnesses described a sudden eruption of violence in the middle of what had been a holiday gathering.
“It sounded loud, louder than fireworks; and then like all I hear is like people screaming and stuff. It was like 50 cops - like a movie scene,” said witness Ernie Gonzalez.
Family members say the gunfire broke out as they were grilling and setting off fireworks, turning the celebration into chaos within seconds.
Police say eight people were struck in total: a 37-year-old man shot in the shoulder, a 33-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman shot in the chest, and a 25-year-old woman struck in the leg.
Four minors were also wounded, including a 14-year-old boy shot in the thigh, a 12-year-old boy shot in the leg, a 7-year-old boy struck in both legs, and a 6-year-old boy shot in the stomach.
EMS rushed all victims to nearby hospitals. Authorities say the 21-year-old woman remains critically injured, while the remaining seven victims are expected to survive.
Relatives say they didn’t immediately understand the severity of what had happened until they returned inside and saw the aftermath.
“My niece got hit, my great-nephew, my cousin, guy hit in the chest - we didn't realize until we went back in the crib and see blood dripping on the floor,” said Brandon, a family member.
Another family member, speaking by phone, said the shootings left loved ones scattered across multiple hospitals as they struggle to process the violence.
“One of the victims is at Lincoln Hospital, another one is at Maimonides Medical Center, one more victim at Coney Island Hospital. Someone shot two of my daughters - I'm scared,” said Vetta, a mother of two of the victims.
Police say the gunman fired multiple rounds into the courtyard before running south on West 30th Street toward Surf Avenue. The motive remains unclear.
The shooting happened just blocks from another deadly incident on Surf Avenue earlier this month, adding to growing concern in the neighborhood.
Investigators continue to search for the suspect as the community is left shaken by a violent end to what began as a holiday celebration.
