A 17-year-old suspect has been charged with attempted murder, felony assault, and criminal possession of a weapon after a chaotic incident near the Stonewall Inn during Pride fest. The violence occurred on June 29 on Sheridan Square, just around the corner from the iconic LGBTQ+ landmark in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.
The mayhem unfolded when a 16-year-old girl opened fire at a male target with whom she was standing, missing him and accidentally hitting a 17-year-old girl who was an innocent bystander visiting from New Jersey. The 17-year-old suspect, a friend of the female shooter, then got involved and fired a second time at the group, mistakenly shooting his own friend in the head.
The injured 16-year-old girl was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition, while the innocent bystander, a 17-year-old girl, was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The mother of the innocent victim expressed relief that her daughter survived the ordeal, stating that she would rather deal with the emotional aftermath than plan a funeral.
The suspect’s arraignment was pending as of Tuesday. The incident highlights the dangers of gun violence and the importance of responsible firearm ownership. The community is reminded to prioritize safety and avoid resorting to violence in any situation.
