Eight Injured, Including Four Children, in Coney Island Shooting

NEW YORK-At least eight people, including four children, were shot and injured late on Saturday in New York City’s Coney Island neighborhood during U.S. Independence Day celebrations, according to ABC News, which cited the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 10:37 p.m. local time (0237 GMT Sunday) on West 31st Street in Brooklyn, where officers found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, ABC News reported.

The victims included two men, two women and four children aged 14, 12, 7 and 6, according to the report. All eight were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Seven of the victims were reported to be in stable condition. A 21-year-old woman remained in critical condition, ABC News said, citing police.

Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene, but no arrests had been made as of Sunday morning, according to the report.

The New York City Police Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, and authorities had not released information regarding a possible suspect or a motive for the shooting.

The incident occurred as the United States marked the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, with cities across the country hosting fireworks displays and public celebrations.

The shooting in Coney Island added to a series of violent incidents reported nationwide during the holiday weekend, one of the busiest periods of the year for law enforcement agencies as large crowds gather for public events.

Authorities continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and no additional information was immediately available.