A night meant for celebration turned tragic in Manhattan as a shooting near the historic Stonewall Inn NYC marked a bloody end to the city’s Pride festivities, while a stampede erupted earlier in Washington Square Park. These events sent shockwaves through the heart of the LGBTQ+ community and left the city grappling with both violence and confusion on what should have been a day of unity.
Shooting by Stonewall Inn: Two Teens Injured Amid Pride Celebrations
As Pride celebrations wound down late Sunday night, gunfire erupted just steps from the Stonewall Inn, the iconic LGBTQ+ landmark and national monument in Greenwich Village. Police responded to reports of shots fired shortly after 10 p.m. at 3 Sheridan Square, a location deeply intertwined with LGBTQ+ history due to its proximity to the Stonewall Inn, where the 1969 uprising sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Two teenage girls were the victims of the shooting. A 16-year-old was shot in the head and remains in critical condition, while a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and is stable. Emergency services rushed both to nearby hospitals. Witnesses described scenes of panic as revelers fled, some screaming and crying, with police quickly setting up a perimeter and recovering a gun at the scene.
Authorities are still investigating the motive, and no arrests have been made. The incident remains under active investigation, with police emphasizing it is too early to determine if the shooting was a hate crime or related to Pride events. Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sorrow, noting that the city should have been focused on celebrating its diverse LGBTQ+ community, not responding to violence.
Earlier Chaos: Stampede at Washington Square Park
Earlier in the day, a false report of gunfire at Washington Square Park led to a stampede as thousands fled the packed greenspace. More than 50 people were injured—some by the stampede itself, others by bear spray that a shirtless man unleashed during the chaos. Police took the suspect into custody, but the incident added to the sense of unease on a day meant for joy and solidarity.
The stampede and the subsequent shooting near the Stonewall Inn NYC left many attendees and residents shaken. Social media posts and eyewitness accounts from platforms like Instagram and YouTube captured the fear and confusion, with videos showing crowds running and emergency responders rushing to the scene. The dual incidents cast a shadow over what is typically one of the largest and most vibrant Pride celebrations in the world.
Community Response and Ongoing Developments
Community leaders and advocacy groups quickly condemned the violence. The Christopher Street Project, an organization dedicated to transgender rights, released a statement expressing grief and solidarity with the victims and their families. Local businesses and residents, many of whom have lived through previous acts of hate and violence, voiced their resilience and determination to keep celebrating Pride.
The Stonewall Inn, which had hosted events throughout the day, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the shooting. However, the bar’s significance as a symbol of resistance and hope for the LGBTQ+ community was underscored by the outpouring of support online and on the streets.
Key Points Summary
- Shooting near Stonewall Inn NYC: Two teenage girls injured—one critically—during Pride celebrations; gun recovered, no arrests yet.
- Stampede at Washington Square Park: False report of gunfire led to a stampede; over 50 injured, suspect in custody for bear spray attack.
- Community Impact: Events overshadowed Pride festivities; leaders and residents express grief, resilience, and solidarity.
- Ongoing Investigation: Motive for the shooting remains unclear; police are investigating whether it was a hate crime.
Looking Forward: Calls for Safety and Unity
As the city processes these events, calls for increased safety and unity have grown louder. Mayor Adams and the NYPD have pledged to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. The events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges still faced by the LGBTQ+ community, even as Pride celebrations continue to grow in size and visibility.
For those who wish to support the victims or provide information, the NYPD encourages tips through their Crime Stoppers hotline or online platforms. The community is urged to stand together and remain vigilant, ensuring that Pride remains a time of celebration, not fear.
Share your support, report tips, and stay informed on the latest developments.