Police are searching for the suspects in a mass shooting incident that happened on New Year's Day outside a private vigil for a 16-year-old teenager who was shot and killed last October.
At least 10 teens were injured in the shooting incident outside the Amazura Concert Hall in Jamaica, Queens. All victims were transported to a nearby hospital and are expected to live.
NYPD officials said the shooting happened around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday outside the event place where they were holding a vigil for 16-year-old Taearion Mungo, who had been shot and killed last October. The vigil was held on what was supposed to be the teen's birthday, per CBS News.
How Did the Shooting Begin?
Police said there were about 100 people gathered at the vigil. The venue was already at capacity, leading 15 people to line up outside and wait to get into the celebration. A group of four men walking east from 91st Avenue later fired about 30 rounds into the crowd outside, injuring 10 teens. The shooters then fled on foot toward 143rd Place, where they got into a light-colored sedan, Gothamist reported.
The police have not released other details about the shooting but did note that the getaway vehicle had New Jersey license plates. Investigators are working to establish the motive.
The shooting is being considered an isolated incident. That said, sources who spoke with CBS News said the officers had been called to the location for previous incidents. They also claimed that Wednesday's mass shooting could be gang-related.
No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning.
Who Were the Victims?
The shooting victims' ages ranged from 16 to 19---six of whom were females and four were males. At least six victims sustained graze wounds and gunshot wounds to the leg, foot, arms, and buttocks.
Police are still canvassing nearby hospitals to determine whether there were any other gunshot victims who were unaccounted for.
The NYPD is now encouraging the public to call them at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) should they have any information related to the incident. Tips can also be submitted through crimestoppers.nypdonline.org.
