Long Island man sentenced to 30 years for shooting that left a 23-year-old father paralyzed.

A Long Island man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following a shooting incident that occurred at a Freeport bar in July 2023, which left a young father paralyzed from the neck down. Tiray Clemmons, 34, from Hempstead, was convicted on multiple counts, including attempted murder and assault, after a Nassau County jury reached a verdict in less than five hours earlier this year.

The violent episode transpired on the evening of July 12, 2023, when Clemmons was forcibly ejected from Agua on the Mile, a popular establishment located along Freeport’s Nautical Mile. Reports from prosecutors indicated that Clemmons became enraged after being denied re-entry into the bar. In an act of retaliation, he discharged a .357 caliber firearm into a crowd, aiming specifically at the security personnel who had denied him access.

During the reckless shooting, Clemmons fired six rounds, resulting in serious injuries to two individuals. A security guard was struck in the back, leading to severe spinal damage and paralysis, while another bystander suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and scrotum, necessitating hospitalization for both victims.

The weapon used in the shooting was located in the Woodcleft Canal four days later, underscoring the ongoing investigation that followed the incident. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly remarked on the gravity of the violence perpetrated by Clemmons, describing his actions as a manifestation of “wanton violence” stemming from the anger of being removed from the bar.

Following his sentencing, which also includes five years of post-release supervision, Clemmons’ actions were characterized as not only a dangerous outburst but also a grim reminder of the consequences of firearm violence. The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of gun violence and public safety in community spaces.

The victim, who is now unable to care for his three-year-old daughter, faces a lifetime of challenges due to the irreparable harm caused by Clemmons. This case highlights the devastating impacts of impulsive and reckless gun violence, raising critical questions about accountability and safety in both public and private settings.

As communities continue to grapple with the consequences of such incidents, the legal system’s response remains a focal point of public discussion, emphasizing the urgent need for effective measures to address gun-related violence across the nation.