Ten young people were injured in a shooting outside a New York nightclub, police said Thursday.
NYPD Chief of Patrol Phillip Rivera said at a news conference that the violent explosion outside the Amazura nightclub in Jamaica, Queens, may have been gang-related, but not terrorism.
Police said at least three gunmen opened fire as about 15 people waited to enter the club around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday.
The 10 victims (six women and four men), all between the ages of 16 and 20, were hospitalized with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening.
Four young men, at least three of whom fired more than 30 shots, fled west on 91st Street and got into a light-colored sedan with out-of-state plates, Rivera said. they haven’t been caught.
“This is not a terrorist attack,” Rivera said at a nightly press conference at the scene of the shooting.
“These senseless shootings and horrific acts of violence on our streets are completely unacceptable,” he added. “Those responsible for this crime will be arrested and brought to justice.”
It was not immediately clear whether the gunmen had been inside Amazra before or who they were targeting.
Police are investigating whether the shooting was caused by tensions between rival gangs.
“That’s one of the avenues we’re pursuing, but it’s too early to tell right now,” Rivera said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are kept confidential.
First Published: January 2, 2025 4:37 AM PST
