Man accidentally shot and killed friend during drunk fight at Brooklyn after-hours bar, according to police.

A shooting incident at an unlicensed after-hours bar in Brooklyn has resulted in the tragic death of a 31-year-old man, allegedly due to a firearm accidentally discharged by a friend during a heated exchange. The police reported that the confrontation involved members of a local gang and occurred early on Monday morning.

Gabriel Hernandez, 27, was taken into custody and has been charged with manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon. This arrest followed the fatal shooting of Giovanni Rivera, also known by the nicknames “Puppet” and “Problema,” around 5 a.m. at a bar located on 50th Street near Third Avenue in Sunset Park. According to police officials, the altercation began shortly before the shooting, around 4:23 a.m., when Hernandez and Rivera, who were present with Rivera’s girlfriend, found themselves involved in an argument with a group of four to five other men.

Witnesses stated that after a brief pause, tensions escalated once more, leading Hernandez—identified by his nickname “Popoca”—to brandish a firearm. In the ensuing chaos, he reportedly discharged two rounds, striking Rivera in the back, where the bullet subsequently penetrated his heart. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described the event as a case of “friendly fire” that stemmed from what he termed “drunken tomfoolery.”

Following the shooting, the rival group quickly exited the scene, while a bar employee was able to subdue Hernandez and disarm him. Although Hernandez attempted to administer aid to Rivera upon realizing what had occurred, witnesses noted that he subsequently became aggressive towards patrons and staff who were also trying to assist the victim.

Emergency medical services transported Rivera to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where he succumbed to his injuries. Both individuals were reported to have a history of run-ins with the law, with Hernandez having prior arrests that include assault and weapons charges. Rivera, who also had multiple arrests, was awaiting court decisions on pending charges at the time of his death.

As this case unfolds, Hernandez faces serious legal consequences, with his arraignment anticipated soon. The incident underscores the dangers associated with illegal gatherings and the repercussions of alcohol-fueled violence, particularly in environments where gangs are involved. The community remains shaken by the tragic loss, as law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal event.