Context:

Two people were injured in a shooting near the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, a site symbolic of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. as the New York City Pride March festivities were concluding, leaving one victim critically injured with a head wound and another in stable condition after being shot in the leg. As the investigation unfolds, police have not identified any suspects nor determined if the shooting is related to the Pride events. Witnesses, including Douglas Breland, a bouncer at a nearby bar, described the chaos and panic that ensued following the gunfire. Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sadness over the incident, highlighting its impact during a time meant for celebration and unity within the diverse LGBTQ+ community.

Dive Deeper:

• The shooting near the historic Stonewall Inn occurred just after 10 p.m. on a Sunday night, coinciding with the conclusion of the New York City Pride March, a significant event celebrating LGBTQ+ rights.

• One of the victims suffered a critical head injury while the other sustained a leg wound and is in stable condition; police have yet to identify any suspects or establish a connection to the Pride celebrations.

• Douglas Breland, a bouncer at a nearby bar, witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, initially mistaking the gunshots for fireworks, and described the ensuing panic as parade goers ran for safety.

• The chaos left the normally vibrant streets almost deserted, with food littered on the ground and police cordoning off the area as they searched for evidence, including bullet casings.

• Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the tragedy of violence occurring during a period meant to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community, which remains a deeply significant and historical event in the city.