A Fourth of July cookout near Coney Island beach in New York turned violent after a shooting left eight people injured, including four children, police said.
The shooting happened Saturday night in the courtyard of an apartment building located about one block from the famous Coney Island boardwalk.
Shooting Happened Near Coney Island Boardwalk
According to police, the incident occurred during a family gathering in the courtyard of an apartment building.
The location was also not far from where the Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest had taken place earlier during the Independence Day holiday.
Police said the gathering appeared to be a cookout, and there were no reports of earlier disturbances before the shooting.
Four Children Among the Victims
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said four of the eight victims were children.
The injured children are 6, 7, 12 and 14 years old.
The remaining victims were adults, including a 21-year-old woman who was listed in critical condition.
Most Victims Expected to Survive
Tisch said the 21-year-old woman was in critical condition following the shooting.
The other victims were described as stable and are expected to survive.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims.
Masked Suspect Fired Into Courtyard
Police said the suspect was wearing a black mask when they opened fire into the courtyard where the family had gathered.
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene.
Police said they recovered a gun, but further details about the weapon or the suspect were not immediately released.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are continuing to investigate what led to the shooting.
Police have not reported any known dispute or disturbance before gunfire broke out.
Investigators are expected to review evidence, speak with witnesses and continue searching for the person responsible.
The Fourth of July shooting near Coney Island injured eight people, including four children, during what police described as a family cookout. The incident happened in an apartment courtyard about a block from the Coney Island boardwalk and near the site of the Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said a masked suspect fired into the courtyard before fleeing. One victim, a 21-year-old woman, remained in critical condition, while the others were stable and expected to survive.