Photos of suspects in Brooklyn Sweet 16 shooting released; six teenagers injured in the incident.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has released surveillance images of two suspects involved in a shooting that occurred outside a Sweet 16 birthday celebration in Brooklyn, resulting in injuries to six individuals, including the niece of Mayor Eric Adams’ gun violence prevention czar, A.T. Mitchell-Mann. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, around 1:15 a.m., as attendees exited the Burbuja Events venue located at Atlantic Avenue near Ashford Street in the Cypress Hills neighborhood.
According to police reports, the masked assailants approached the party area during a downpour, with one suspect seen adjusting what appears to be a firearm tucked in his waistband. Eyewitness accounts indicate the chaos ensued as party organizers began popping balloons, leading many guests, including a 15-year-old girl waiting for an Uber, to mistakenly believe the sound was still associated with the festivities.
Mitchell-Mann’s niece was tragically struck by a bullet that passed through her chest without damaging any vital organs or bones, a fact described by family members as miraculous. Additionally, the shooting injured a second 15-year-old girl in the leg, a 15-year-old boy in the left arm, another 16-year-old boy in the right arm, and a third 16-year-old boy in the left foot, while a 17-year-old boy was shot in the right leg. All victims were transported to local hospitals and later reported to be in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators have not established a motive for the shooting, although Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch labeled it as potentially gang-related. The two suspects are described as wearing dark clothing—one in a black hoodie and ski mask, while the other donned a blue face mask along with a distinctive blue-and-red du-rag.
In response to this alarming event, law enforcement is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the suspects. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, emphasizing that all tips will remain confidential.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding gun violence in urban environments, particularly affecting youth and families during celebratory occasions. As investigations continue, the NYPD remains vigilant in its efforts to quell such acts of violence and ensure the safety of the community.
