A 17-year-old opened fire and wounded three people in a shooting at New York City’s Times Square early Saturday, police have confirmed. The incident unfolded around 1:20 a.m. (0520 GMT) following what authorities described as a dispute.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the gunfire erupted near the busy intersection of 44th Street and Seventh Avenue, in the heart of the city’s iconic theater district a location that is typically bustling with tourists even in the late hours.
An 18-year-old woman suffered a graze wound to her neck, while a 19-year-old man and a 65-year-old man sustained gunshot injuries to their lower limbs. Fortunately, police said none of the injuries were life-threatening. All three victims were transported to Bellevue Hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
“The perpetrator has been taken into police custody, and a firearm has been recovered,” an NYPD spokesperson told AFP. The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, has not yet been formally charged.
Police say the circumstances that led to the shooting are still under investigation, but early indications point to a confrontation escalating into gunfire. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and speaking to witnesses to piece together the moments leading up to the violence.
The shooting has raised fresh concerns about public safety in one of the city’s most visited areas. Times Square, often referred to as “the crossroads of the world,” draws millions of visitors annually and is a major hub for Broadway shows, dining, and entertainment.
Saturday’s incident comes less than a month after another high-profile shooting in Manhattan, where a gunman shot four people inside a skyscraper before taking his own life. That tragedy, coupled with this latest violence, has renewed calls for increased security measures in crowded public spaces.
City officials have pledged to maintain a strong police presence in Times Square, especially during peak tourist hours. “We want New Yorkers and visitors alike to feel safe,” the NYPD said in a statement.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the case.
