A violent Brooklyn shooting early Monday morning left one person dead and two others injured, prompting a swift investigation by the New York City Police Department. The incident occurred just after midnight on December 15, 2025, in the East Flatbush neighborhood, an area that has seen a recent uptick in gun violence.
Police say officers from the 67th Precinct responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near East 52nd Street and Church Avenue. When they arrived, they found three victims — all adult males — suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim, a 28-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two, ages 24 and 31, were transported to Kings County Hospital and remain in stable condition.
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NYPD Confirms Active Investigation
NYPD officials have confirmed that detectives are actively searching for the shooter, who fled the scene on foot. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residential buildings is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Officers spent the early morning canvassing the area, collecting shell casings, and interviewing potential witnesses. As of now, police have not released a description of the suspect or announced any arrests.
A heavy police presence remains in the neighborhood as investigators continue to process the scene. Detectives from the Brooklyn South Homicide Squad have joined the 67th Precinct’s team in handling the case.
Victims and Community Reaction
The victim who died has not yet been publicly identified, pending family notification. Police sources say all three men are believed to have known one another. Investigators are exploring whether the shooting stemmed from a dispute that escalated into gunfire.
Residents of East Flatbush woke up to a cordoned-off street and flashing police lights. Many expressed concern about rising violence in the community as the holidays approach. Several locals gathered outside the scene throughout the morning, some leaving candles and flowers in memory of the victim.
“We just want peace,” said one resident who lives nearby. “Every few weeks, it’s another shooting. People are scared to walk home after dark.”
Increase in Police Patrols Across Brooklyn
In response to the shooting, NYPD officials announced an increased police presence in East Flatbush and surrounding neighborhoods. Additional patrol units and anti-crime officers have been assigned to late-night shifts this week.
Police Commissioner Edward Caban addressed the ongoing issue of gun violence during a Monday morning briefing, stating that the department remains focused on getting illegal firearms off the streets.
“Our officers are working around the clock to protect every neighborhood in this city,” Caban said. “We’ve made progress this year, but one shooting is still one too many.”
NYPD data shows that while citywide shootings are down slightly compared to last year, several precincts in Brooklyn — including East Flatbush, Brownsville, and Crown Heights — continue to experience sporadic outbreaks of gun violence.
Recent Pattern of Brooklyn Shootings
This latest shooting marks the third gun-related incident reported in Brooklyn over the past 72 hours.
- On Saturday night, a 19-year-old was shot in the leg near Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights.
- Early Sunday morning, a 32-year-old man was injured during a robbery attempt in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Both victims survived, and police believe the incidents are unrelated. However, officials acknowledge the trend highlights ongoing challenges in addressing neighborhood disputes that turn deadly.
Community leaders and anti-violence advocates are urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement and to come forward with any information that could help investigators identify suspects.
Gun Violence Statistics and Community Efforts
As of December 2025, NYPD statistics show more than 930 shooting incidents recorded citywide this year — a slight decline compared to 2024 but still higher than pre-pandemic levels. Brooklyn accounts for nearly 40% of those shootings, with many concentrated in southern and central districts.
In East Flatbush, community organizations such as Save Our Streets Brooklyn and Man Up! Inc. have been holding regular outreach events aimed at deterring gun crime. These groups work alongside police to provide mentorship programs, conflict mediation, and youth employment opportunities.
Activists say continued cooperation between law enforcement and residents is crucial to reducing violence. “We can’t police our way out of this,” said a community organizer involved in anti-violence programs. “We need prevention, not just reaction.”
Witness Accounts and Early Details
Witnesses who were nearby at the time of the shooting described hearing at least five to six shots ring out shortly after midnight. Some residents initially thought the sounds were fireworks until police sirens flooded the area minutes later.
One local business owner who operates a late-night deli near the corner said several customers took cover inside the store as the shots were fired. “People were ducking behind the counter,” he said. “It was chaos for a few minutes.”
Police have confirmed that several security cameras captured portions of the incident. Detectives are reviewing the footage to determine whether the shooter targeted the victims or fired randomly.
Emergency Response and Public Safety Alerts
Emergency medical teams arrived within minutes of the initial calls, aided by the city’s enhanced 911 response network. Fire Department medics worked alongside officers to treat the victims before transporting them to nearby hospitals.
NYPD has urged residents to avoid the East 52nd Street area between Church Avenue and Linden Boulevard until the crime scene is cleared. Streets surrounding the scene were closed through early morning but have since reopened for local traffic.
Residents are reminded that anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. A cash reward of up to $3,500 is available for information leading to an arrest.
City Officials React to the Violence
Local elected officials and community representatives have responded swiftly to the latest Brooklyn shooting. Council Member Rita Joseph, who represents the area, released a statement condemning the violence and calling for more investment in community-based programs.
“My heart breaks for the family of the young man who lost his life last night,” she said. “Gun violence continues to devastate our neighborhoods. We need stronger community partnerships and sustained action to end this cycle.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that reducing shootings requires both enforcement and prevention. “We have to tackle this issue from every angle,” Reynoso said. “That means addressing root causes — from poverty to access to illegal firearms.”
Public Safety Outlook Heading Into 2026
City officials say that overall crime in New York is trending downward, but gun violence remains a top priority heading into the new year. The NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division continues to focus on identifying repeat offenders and dismantling firearm trafficking networks across borough lines.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding youth outreach programs and strengthening coordination between law enforcement and local groups. “Every neighborhood deserves safety,” Adams said during a Monday press briefing. “We won’t rest until every New Yorker feels secure walking home.”
Final Thoughts: A Community Searching for Solutions
As detectives continue to investigate the Brooklyn shooting, the East Flatbush community is once again grappling with grief and frustration. Police are working to identify the suspect, while residents call for unity and action to stop the violence that has become far too familiar.
If you live in the area and witnessed last night’s events, share your experience below — your insight could help spread awareness and strengthen community safety.