Teen Arrested After Times Square Shooting Injures Three, Including Two Bystanders
A 17-year-old is in police custody following a shooting in Times Square early Saturday that left three people injured, including two bystanders.
The incident occurred around 1:20 a.m. at West 44th Street and Seventh Avenue, one of New York City’s busiest tourist areas. Police say the shooting began during a fight outside a Raising Cane’s chicken restaurant. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
Victims and Injuries
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the victims include:
- A 19-year-old man, shot in the foot.
- A 65-year-old man, struck in the left leg.
- An 18-year-old woman, grazed in the neck.
All were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition. Authorities say the 19-year-old was involved in the dispute, while the older man and young woman were bystanders.
Police Investigation
The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, faces pending charges. Meanwhile, detectives say the shooting was sparked by a personal dispute, not a random attack.
The NYPD noted that gun violence in New York has been at historically low levels in recent months, though high-profile incidents like this continue to raise concerns.
Broader Context on Gun Violence
This shooting comes just weeks after a deadly gun attack at a Midtown Manhattan office building that killed four workers. Nationwide, the issue of violent crime has been a political flashpoint.
President Donald Trump recently ordered federal agents into Washington, D.C. to combat crimes committed by young people, calling the situation “totally out of control.” While homicide rates in D.C. remain high compared to other U.S. cities, overall violent crime there in 2024 was the lowest in three decades once carjackings, assaults, and robberies were factored in.
Trump has announced plans for a Monday news conference at the White House. Specifically, he promised measures that will “essentially stop violent crime” in the capital.
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