A mass shooting incident took place on New Year’s Day in Jamaica, Queens, injuring 10 teenagers when several suspects opened fire outside a venue. The event happened shortly after 11:15 p.m. outside the Amazura Concert Hall located on 144th Place.
According to police reports, four male suspects approached a crowd of about 15 individuals waiting outside the venue and discharged approximately 30 rounds before fleeing the scene in a light-colored sedan with out-of-state license plates. At the time of the shooting, around 90 people were inside attending a private event upstairs.
The victims, aged between 16 and 19 years old, included six females and four males, all of whom are expected to recover from their injuries, which include various gunshot wounds and graze injuries. Six of the injured were transported to Jamaica Hospital Trauma Center, while the others were treated at New York-Presbyterian Queens, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
In the aftermath, police have been actively canvassing local medical centers for any additional unreported victims and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the suspects. They encourage anyone with information to reach out to the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline.
This incident highlights the community’s ongoing challenges with gun violence, particularly among youth. However, it also showcases the resilience and determination of both the victims and law enforcement as they work together to resolve this incident and prevent future occurrences. By raising awareness and emphasizing community support, there is hope for a safer environment moving forward.