NEW YORK – Two girls were shot Monday while playing in a park near a school in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Investigators believe the girls were not the intended targets and police are trying to track down at least two shooters.
Shortly after 9 p.m., shots were fired near PS 178 on Dean Street. Police said the 9- and 11-year-old girls were playing in the middle of a field as their mothers watched from a nearby park bench.
Six bullets were fired in the direction of the children, hitting the 9-year-old in the leg and the 11-year-old in the back, police said. They were rushed by their mothers to Brookdale Hospital, where they are listed in stable condition and expected to survive.
Police have not ruled out a gang-related motive
Detectives searched the scene for a description of the suspects and which direction they went. Based on bullet casings found at the scene, investigators believe there were multiple shooters.
“There may have been two shooters who fired at least six shots in the direction the children were playing. It is unknown at this time who the intended target was,” said NYPD Brooklyn North Assistant Chief Scott Henderson. said late Monday night. “Thankfully, both young girls are conscious and alert and are being treated by the wonderful medical staff at Brookdale Hospital.”
Authorities said this is a ShotSpotter zone, but a source said the technology was not activated at the time of the shooting.
“We are currently investigating several possible motives for these types of incidents. But we are not going to rule out gang-related incidents that are problematic for this specific area of Brooklyn,” said NYPD Brooklyn North Deputy Chief. John Mastronardi.
As the investigation continues, the NYPD says gun violence in the area has increased, with shootings up 64 percent this year compared to 2023. At least 28 people have been shot so far this year, compared to 17 last year.
The shooting took place just one day after The 14-year-old was shot dead less than a mile away. His 12-year-old cousin was arrested in that case.
Anyone with information about the girls’ shooting is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All conversations are treated confidentially.
