The shooter who opened fire inside a subway car reportedly aimed at the victims’ legs, according to witnesses.
According to police sources, the gunman used “small caliber ammunition” – possibly .380 caliber.
The shooting took place early Tuesday while the train was stopped in the tunnel at the 36th Street and Fourth Avenue station in the Sunset Park neighborhood.
At least 10 people were shot, and 28 people injured according to NYPD. Ten gunshot victims were transported to hospitals during rush hour. All are listed in stable condition, according to the NYPD.
A majority of the injured victims were treated for smoke inhalation, according to Fox News.
Witnesses say the man put on a gas mask, set off smoke bombs, and began shooting at riders on a southbound train. He fled the train before it came to a complete stop. The train continued on to the next station where victims got off.
CCTV cameras were not operating inside the subway station.
The subway shooting is not being investigated as an act of terrorism.
According to Fox News, investigators may know the identity of the shooter, who is still on the loose. The gunman, described as a 5′-5″ Black male, is rumored to be a disgruntled former transit employee.
The NYPD will increase police presence on subway trains for the evening rush hour commute, police say.
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.
