On September 2, 2024, the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn was disrupted by a tragic shooting.
The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Eastern Parkway, close to Classon and Franklin Avenues in Crown Heights.
What should have been a festive celebration turned into a scene of violence and confusion.
- On September 2, 2024, a shooting at the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn resulted in one death and four injuries.
- The person who died was 25-year-old Denzel Chan from Texas. The injured include a 69-year-old woman, a 64-year-old man, a 26-year-old man, and a 16-year-old boy.
- Police are looking for a man in his 20s who was last seen wearing a brown shirt with paint stains and a black bandana. They are still figuring out why this happened, and possible gang connections are being investigated.
Victims and Their Injuries
The shooting began when a gunman started firing into the crowd. Among those injured, the main victim was 25-year-old Denzel A. Chan from Texas, who was shot in the abdomen.
He received medical care but, unfortunately, later died from his injuries.
The other victims were:
- A 69-year-old woman was shot in the back shoulder.
- A 64-year-old man was hit in the right arm.
- A 26-year-old man who was shot in the head.
- A 16-year-old boy who got a gunshot wound in his left arm.
All the injured were taken to Kings County Hospital for treatment. While some are in critical condition, others are expected to recover.
Police Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
The NYPD quickly responded to the shooting. Speaking to reporters, Police Chief John Chell said this was a targeted attack, not a random act of violence.
“This was not random,” Chell said.
“This was an intentional act by one person towards a group of people. We do not by no means have any active shooter or anything of that nature running around Eastern Parkway as we speak. The parade is going on and will go on until later on tonight.”
Currently, the police are actively looking for the shooter, described as a man in his 20s, about 6 feet tall, with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a brown shirt with paint stains and a black bandana.
Before the parade, the NYPD had already taken 25 illegal guns off the streets. Despite this, one person’s actions led to the shooting.
Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that this was the work of just one person and called for more efforts to fight gun violence.
In response, police have blocked off some areas near the parade route. And they are also asking for video footage from witnesses, hoping it could help solve the case.
So, Chief Chell urged people to share any recordings they might have to assist in the investigation.
Reactions from the Community and Officials
Despite the shooting, the parade continued, with thousands of people still celebrating. Many were shocked and upset by the violence.
Delroy, a vendor at the parade, described how he took cover behind a car and called 911 when the shooting started.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was at the parade, expressed his sadness and called for more action to end gun violence. He thanked first responders and prayed for everyone affected by the shooting.
I’m pained and troubled by the horrible shooting that took place as we were marching together at the West Indian Day Festival and Parade in Brooklyn.
Thank you to our 1st responders on the scene. I pray for everyone affected. We must keep working to end gun violence in America.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 2, 2024
“I’m pained and troubled by the horrible shooting that took place as we were marching together at the West Indian Day Festival and Parade in Brooklyn,” Schumer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Thank you to our 1st responders on the scene. I pray for everyone affected. We must keep working to end gun violence in America.”
The Parade’s History and Community Impact
The West Indian American Day Parade, now in its 57th year, is a big event that turns Eastern Parkway into a colorful display of Caribbean culture.
The parade, which showcases the richness of Caribbean traditions, features bright costumes, lively music, and floats, drawing crowds along its nearly 2-mile route.
Moreover, it also wraps up several days of carnival events, including J’Ouvert, which celebrates freedom from slavery.
While the parade has a history of violent incidents, recent years have seen improvements in security and peace. Of course, the shooting is a reminder of the ongoing challenge of keeping large public events safe.
As the police continue their investigation, they are committed to finding the shooter and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Looking ahead, the community remains hopeful for better safety measures to ensure that celebrations like this can continue without violence.
