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.
Very dramatic video from the incident as the subway arrived at 36th St Sunset Park in Brooklyn. #brooklyn #shooting #nyc pic.twitter.com/5cOdeYPIb1
— Kristoffer Kumm (@Kristofferkumm) April 12, 2022
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.
UPDATE: Law enforcement tells @abc7NY based on video evidence they believe suspect in gas mask threw smoke bombs into the train car as doors closed and started shooting. Southbound B train. Victims exited at 36th St.
— Derick Waller (@wallerABC7) April 12, 2022
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.