On Wednesday night (January 1), a shooting occurred outside the Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York, injuring at least 10 people.
According to a news release from the New York Police Department, police received reports of multiple shootings around 11:18 pm on New Year’s Day.
About 90 people were attending a private event in the upstairs area of the club, while about 15 others were queuing outside to get in because the event was full.
Authorities reported that four men approached the location on foot. At least three of them fired in the direction of the crowd waiting to enter the venue. The gunman fired more than 30 shots, causing many injuries.
The suspect then fled west on foot along 91st Street to 143rd Street, where he got into a light-colored sedan with out-of-state license plates.
Ten victims – six women and four men – were identified and taken to hospital and are believed to be aged between 16 and 20 years old. Officials reported that all victims are expected to recover with non-life-threatening injuries.
The New York Police Department confirmed that the incident was not a terrorist attack. However, officials said it was too early to determine whether the shooting was “gang-related” as rumors suggested the party was to celebrate the birthday of a gang member who was killed last October.
The shooting in Queens, New York, followed a terrorist attack in New Orleans just hours before New Year’s Day.
Local and state police were on high alert, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York City Police Department said there was no credible threat to the state or city.
