[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the morning commute, a random shooting occurred on a subway train in Brooklyn, New York, injuring at least 29 people. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is still searching for the suspect.
According to the New York Post and others on the 12th (local time), at around 8:30 a.m., on an N line subway train entering the 36th Street station in Brooklyn, a man wearing a construction site safety vest set off a smoke bomb and then indiscriminately fired at passengers. The NYPD confirmed that at least 29 people were injured, including 10 who were shot. Among them, five were seriously injured and immediately transported to the hospital, but their lives are not in danger.
The man was confirmed to have worn a gas mask before the shooting and took a smoke bomb out of his bag and detonated it. Videos and photos taken at the scene show passengers rushing out onto the platform as the smoke-filled train doors opened. Passengers covered in blood were lying on the subway floor as well as on the platform. The shooting reportedly continued on the platform as well.
Witnesses told local media, "There was a popping sound followed by smoke," "I tried to escape through the door connecting to another car, but it wouldn’t open," and "Everyone rushed out as the train entered the station," describing the situation at the time.
The suspect is identified as a Black male of medium build, approximately 160 cm tall. At the time of the shooting, he was wearing a gray sweatshirt hoodie, a green construction safety vest, and a gas mask. Some citizens said his outfit resembled that of MTA employees.
Chief Keechant Sewell of the NYPD stated at a press conference that the shooting does not appear to be a terrorist act but added, "Nothing is being ruled out." The NYPD is still pursuing the man. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers to remain vigilant. The New York City Department of Education issued evacuation orders to nearby schools and prohibited outsiders from entering school premises.
With the recent deterioration of public safety in New York and a surge in shootings, this random subway shooting during the morning commute is expected to increase citizens’ anxiety. The station is near neighborhoods primarily inhabited by Hispanic and Chinese communities in Brooklyn, but it has not been confirmed whether there was any racial motive.
Earlier, some local media reported that police and fire authorities found additional objects with detonators at the 36th Street station, but this was confirmed to be false.
U.S. President Joe Biden, who announced a ghost gun regulation plan the day before, also received an emergency briefing on this incident.
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