A seven-month-old girl was shot and killed while sitting in her pushchair in broad daylight in Brooklyn, New York City, police have confirmed.
Authorities believe the baby was the unintended victim of a suspected gang-related shooting. Footage of the incident shows two men driving against the flow of traffic when a man sitting on the back of the moped pulled out a gun and fired at least two rounds, according to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The bike subsequently crashed, resulting in the apprehension of the suspected shooter, while a massive manhunt is underway for the driver.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his condolences, stating, A life that had barely begun was taken in an instant. Today is a devastating reminder of how much more work there is to be done to combat gun violence across this city.
During the shooting, several adults and children, including two others with buggies, were gathered on a street corner. The infant's parents sought refuge in a corner store where they discovered their child had been shot.
Witness Bernius Maldonado recounted, All the kids started ducking in the corner. The family went to the store, and the mom started screaming when she noticed the baby was bleeding from her head. Emergency services were called shortly after the incident, but the child was pronounced dead at Woodhull Hospital after being taken there.
As a mother, I cannot imagine the pain that this family is feeling or the grief that they now carry with them. It is unspeakable, said Tisch.
Following the crash of the moped, both suspects were ejected. The rear passenger required medical attention and was taken to Brooklyn Hospital, where he was subsequently placed in police custody.
Investigators are now working to connect him to the shooting amidst ongoing efforts to address the growing issue of gun violence in the city.
