Several people were injured in separate shootings and stabbings around Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade on Monday, despite a major police and security presence put in place ahead of the annual celebration.
The violence unfolded at several locations near the parade route, with police investigating whether any of the incidents were connected.
Just after 4 p.m., officers responded to 800 Nostrand Avenue between St. John’s Place and Lincoln Place after a 24-year-old man was shot in the buttocks. The man was taken to a hospital and was expected to recover.
A witness described hearing two gunshots after a fight broke out in the area. People then scattered as the injured man called for help.
Police said a person of interest was taken into custody in connection with that shooting, and a firearm was recovered.
Only minutes later, another shooting was reported near Eastern Parkway and Kingston Avenue. A 37-year-old woman was shot in the leg, while a 19-year-old man suffered graze wounds to both legs, according to police. Both victims were hospitalized and were listed in stable condition.
Investigators collected evidence at both shooting scenes, which were only a short distance apart. Police had not determined whether the incidents were related or whether either victim was specifically targeted. Authorities were also looking for two men who reportedly fled after the second shooting.
The gunfire followed a series of stabbings earlier in the morning, before the main parade got underway.
Shortly before 6 a.m., three people were found injured near Utica Avenue and Carroll Street. A 32-year-old man and a 23-year-old man suffered stab wounds to the neck, while a 36-year-old man was stabbed in the face. The victims were taken to Kings County Hospital.
A fourth person, a 20-year-old man, was later treated after being slashed on the chin near Eastern Parkway and Nostrand Avenue. He was also hospitalized in stable condition.
No arrests had been reported in connection with the stabbing incidents.
The violence came as Brooklyn prepared for one of New York City’s largest annual Caribbean celebrations. Organizers estimated that about 1 million people attended the festivities, which included J’Ouvert and the West Indian American Day Parade along Eastern Parkway.
Authorities had significantly increased security this year because of violence during previous celebrations. Thirteen entry points were established for spectator screening, while more than 300 emergency personnel and community safety volunteers were deployed around areas considered potential hotspots. NYPD aviation units, mounted officers, the bomb squad, counterterrorism teams and drones were also used as part of the security operation.
The parade itself continued despite the incidents, with large crowds gathering along Eastern Parkway to celebrate Caribbean culture, music and heritage.
The NYPD had increased its security operation following violence at previous editions of the event. Last year, five people were shot and two others were slashed after the parade, while a 2024 shooting along the parade route left one person dead and four others injured.
Anyone with information about Monday’s incidents is being asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-language tips can be reported at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online through the NYPD Crime Stoppers program. Calls and tips can be kept confidential.
