TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

A gunman opened fire, striking multiple riders on a subway train in Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday, April 12.

Witnesses say the gunman put on a gas mask, set off smoke bombs, and began shooting people on a southbound B train at the 36th Street station in Brooklyn.

Panic erupted and commuters pried open the doors of the subway car to escape. At least 8 people were shot, and 16 people injured according to FDNY. The NYPD denied reports that the man wore a construction vest or worked for the city.

The incident happened at 8:30 a.m. during rush hour. Eight gunshot victims were transported to a hospital. Police did not release details about their condition.

The gunman is described as a 5′-6″ Black male wearing a green vest. He fled the train before it came to a complete stop at the 36th Street station near Sunset Park.

“Praying for the people injured in the shocking Brooklyn subway attack,” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) tweeted. “We will get through this together #BrooklynStrong.”

Crime on the NYC subway has spiked by 81% according to the NYPD. Ridership has slowly increased since the pandemic in 2020, but subway ridership is still down 40%, according to Fox News.