Violence Mars West Indian Day Parade in NYC: Five Shot

Five people were shot during the West Indian American Day Parade in New York City, an annual celebration of Caribbean culture. An assailant targeted a specific group, critically wounding two individuals. Police are seeking video footage to identify the shooter, who remains at large.

Five people were shot Monday at New York City's West Indian American Day Parade, police reported. The annual celebration of Caribbean culture, one of the largest globally, saw violence when a gunman opened fire along the parade route in Brooklyn, targeting a specific group of people around 2:35 p.m., according to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.

The parade, filled with thousands of revelers dancing and marching down Eastern Parkway, had started hours earlier and was expected to continue into the night. Despite the attack, the festivities carried on. Two of the victims are in critical condition, while three others are expected to survive. The gunman fled the scene.

Chief Chell reassured the public that this was a targeted attack, not a random act of violence. "We do not by any means have an active shooter or anything of that nature running around Eastern Parkway as we speak," he said. Authorities cordoned off the affected area, collected evidence, and requested any video footage from bystanders to aid in their investigation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was marching in the parade, continued his route unaffected. The parade, which attracts large crowds and local politicians, has seen violent incidents in the past, including fatalities. Despite these challenges, the parade remains a vital celebration of Caribbean culture in Brooklyn.

(With inputs from agencies.)