QUEENS: Police are searching for four suspects who opened fire on a crowd outside the Amazura Concert Hall in Jamaica, Queens, late New Year’s Day. Ten teenagers, aged 16 to 19, were injured in the attack but are expected to survive.
The shooting occurred just after 11:15 p.m. as a line formed outside the venue for a private memorial event honoring 16-year-old Taearion Mungo, a victim of gun violence in October. The suspects fired approximately 30 shots into the crowd before fleeing in a light-colored sedan with New Jersey plates. Surveillance footage shows four individuals running to and from the scene.
Law enforcement sources suggest the attack was gang-related. The venue, which has faced prior incidents, was at capacity during the event. Police are canvassing the area and hospitals for additional evidence or victims.
Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned the violence, stating, “This cannot be our normal.” NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera pledged to apprehend those responsible, emphasizing zero tolerance for such violence.
The Amazura Concert Hall called the shooting an “isolated incident” and expressed its cooperation with the investigation. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards decried the attack as a “despicable shooting” and urged accountability.
Authorities are urging the public to assist in identifying the suspects, highlighting the importance of community support in solving recent high-profile crimes.