16 injured as masked man opens fire in New York subway

News, US April 13, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

Ten people were reported to be shot inside the Brooklyn subway in New York on April 12 as an unknown suspect wearing a gas mask started shooting toward commuters after setting off a gas canister.

A total of 16 people were injured after the shooting, 10 of which had been directly hit by the gunfire. New York Fire Department Acting Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said in a briefing that they are suspecting more commuters to report injuries caused by the smoke inhalation, shrapnel, or stampede.

According to the initial reports, five of the gunshot victims had been shifted to the intensive care facility as they were in a critical condition, however, no life-threatening injury was reported on any of the five victims.

The attack was conducted using a handgun and the attacker fled the scene after firing shots. Police are still trying to capture the shooter. The police officials are appealing to the public to provide them with the leads for the attacker. The New York police department has also asked the public to submit videos and photos from the scene in order to determine the leads toward the suspect.

The shooting incident took place on a weekday at around 8:30 am in the morning which is a peak time for commuters to take the subway, especially around the Brooklyn area. According to the early reports the incident took place in the N trait as soon as it pulled out of the 59th street station. Witnesses said that they saw white smoke coming out of the cart before they heard loud gunshots.

^{New York City Police and Fire Department officials on the scene of a reported multiple shooting at a New York City Subway station in the Brooklyn borough of New York, New York, USA, 12 April 2022. (Image Credit: Justin Lane/EPA-EFE)}

Mayor of New York Eric Adams took Twitter to address the situation and issued a statement right after the incident took place. His statement was in the form of a short video in which he stated that “first, let me say we’re praying for all New Yorkers who were injured or affected by today’s attack. So far, we know that we have a multiple number of injuries, including victims of gunshot wounds.”

Adams further added, “I wish to thank all of the first respondents who responded to the scene or at the local hospitals, helping with today’s incident. You are what makes New York the greatest city in the world, and I thank you for supporting your fellow New Yorkers.”

Some social media users reported that the ride-hailing services, Uber and Lyft, around the Brooklyn area increased their fairs amid the attack. However, after the reports surfaced, Uber suspended its surge pricing in the Brooklyn area.

Earlier this week on Sunday, April 10, a manhole exploded with a huge fire and explosion in the famous New York tourist destination, Time Square, stirring chaos and sending hundreds of people running. No injury or property damage was reported as a result of the incident. With manhole explosion and gunfire incident taking place in the same week, New York residents and travelers are now being cautious about their security in the city.