A shooting outside the Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York City, left at least ten people injured late Wednesday night (January 1). The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m., while a group of about 15 young people aged 16 to 20 were waiting to enter a private event at the club.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), three or four gunmen approached the group and opened fire, shooting about 30 times. The suspects then fled the scene on foot, later being seen entering a sedan with out-of-state plates.
During a news conference early Thursday morning (January 2), Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera announced that six females and four males had been transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
“There is zero tolerance for these senseless shootings,” Rivera stated, adding that the motive for the attack is still being investigated, though it is not considered terrorism. The NYPD is currently searching for suspects and investigating whether the shooting was gang-related.
Following the shooting, footage shared on social media showed a large police presence and several ambulances outside the nightclub.
The Amazura nightclub, located in Queens’ Jamaica neighborhood, was hosting a private event with approximately 90 people inside when the shooting occurred. The venue was at capacity, resulting in a line outside, where the attack occurred.