Six teens, including the niece of a gun violence prevention official, were injured in a shooting during a Sweet 16 party in Brooklyn.

Six teenagers were injured in a mass shooting that erupted outside a Sweet 16 birthday party at an event space in Brooklyn, New York, early Sunday morning. Among the victims is the 15-year-old niece of A.T. Mitchell-Mann, the city’s gun violence prevention czar, who was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in 2022.

The shooting took place around 1:15 a.m. outside Burbuja Events, located on Atlantic Avenue near Ashford Street in the Cypress Hills neighborhood. According to law enforcement sources, two assailants opened fire on a gathering of partygoers as they were exiting the venue.

Mitchell-Mann expressed relief that his niece survived three gunshot wounds, including one that passed through her chest. He described the situation as a miracle, citing that the bullet missed vital structures, sparing her life. Yet, the aftermath of the incident has left the young girl and her family grappling with the physical and emotional trauma of the event.

Witness accounts reveal that as guests were waiting for their rides, many did not immediately recognize the sounds of gunfire, initially mistaking them for balloons popping. The shock escalated when the reality of the situation became apparent, forcing many to flee for safety.

The injured include another 15-year-old girl who was shot in the leg, a 15-year-old boy shot in the left arm, a 16-year-old boy struck in the right arm, another 16-year-old who was hit in the left foot, and a 17-year-old boy who suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg. All survivors are reportedly in stable condition.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch indicated that the motive for the shooting might be gang-related, although specifics are still under investigation. Following an extensive surgery to repair damage to her knee, Mitchell-Mann’s niece faces a long recovery, both physically and mentally. He highlighted her emotional struggle in coming to terms with the violence she experienced.

The incident has deeply affected Mitchell-Mann, who has spent over 20 years working on the frontlines of gun violence prevention. The pain of seeing his niece impacted by an act of violence has brought a personal dimension to his mission and advocacy work.

Amid the chaos, Mitchell-Mann remains hopeful. He emphasized the importance of support systems, noting that his niece is strong and resilient. He leads the organization Man Up Inc., which focuses on violence prevention and intervention, aiming to divert potential offenders from violence before it occurs.

The shooters remain at large, and law enforcement urges anyone with information to come forward. In a message directed at the assailants, Mitchell-Mann urged them to turn themselves in and confront the consequences of their actions, emphasizing that there is no justification for resorting to violence.

As the investigation continues, the Brooklyn community grapples with the impact of this tragedy, concerned for the safety of its youth and the rising tide of gun violence. The physical injuries inflicted during the incident represent only a fraction of the emotional scars that these young victims will carry into their futures.