Teen arrested after shots fired at New York’s Times Square during NBA celebrations; one man hurt in brawl
A 17-year-old was taken into custody Thursday after opening fire on a group at Times Square, police said. No one was struck by bullets, but a 26-year-old man suffered a neck wound in the preceding brawl.
What happened
Multiple shots were fired at New York’s Times Square on Thursday afternoon, the New York Police Department said. The gunfire erupted after a large group became involved in a brawl shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time, according to authorities. A 17-year-old male then fired at the same group. No one was hit by the bullets, police told AFP.
No one was injured by the shots.
A webcam video appeared to show two individuals dressed in black opening fire, though officials have so far given no details about a possible second shooter. The incident unfolded near a parked police vehicle, AP reported.
Arrest and injuries
Police arrested the 17-year-old and he remains in custody. While no one was wounded by gunfire, a 26-year-old man sustained a cut to the neck during the fight and was transported to a hospital. Initial police statements following the incident had said that no arrests had been made and no one was hurt, but later reports confirmed the teenager’s detention.
A crowded square in celebration
Times Square was packed with people at the time of the shooting. According to De Morgen, the incident occurred after the championship parade for the New York Knicks, who had just won the NBA Finals, meaning a heavy police presence was already in the area. Ouest France separately noted that the square had been drawing large crowds of football fans since the start of the World Cup.
The shots were fired just a few metres from a parked police vehicle.
Panic among tourists and fans
Videos posted on social media captured the moment shots rang out. Footage shows dozens of people on the square, some fleeing in panic, others frozen in place. The NYPD said an investigation is ongoing and no additional suspects have been publicly identified.
What we know so far
Authorities have not released a motive for the brawl or the shooting. The arrested teenager’s identity has not been disclosed because he is a minor. Police continue to examine evidence, including webcam recordings, to determine whether a second gunman was involved.
