NYPD hold a presscon
NYPD officials brief the press outside the Taste of the City Lounge in Crown Heights on Sunday morning after gunfire left three dead and eight others wounded inside the Brooklyn nightclub. NYPD

Brooklyn was plunged into terror early this morning, Sunday, when a hail of bullets ripped through the Taste of the City Lounge, leaving three people dead and eight others wounded in a shocking outbreak of violence.

The gunfire erupted just before 3.30 am, shattering the weekend calm and turning a crowded hookah bar into a crime scene that has shaken Crown Heights to its core.

Witnesses described panic as partygoers scrambled for cover. In seconds, what was meant to be a lively Saturday night gathering spiralled into chaos, with victims sprawled on the floor as terrified patrons tried to escape through the doors and windows.

Victims Identified in Brooklyn Shooting

According to the NYPD, the dispute inside the lounge escalated into deadly violence when multiple shooters opened fire. Police found 11 victims—eight men and three women—ranging in age from 27 to 61.

Three men, including a 27-year-old and a 35-year-old, were pronounced dead at the scene. The age of the third man killed has not yet been released. The other eight victims were rushed to hospitals across Brooklyn. Their injuries were considered serious but not life-threatening, according to CBS News.

Police Confirm Multiple Gunmen

Detectives believe several shooters were involved, unleashing dozens of rounds during the dispute. Authorities recovered at least 36 shell casings at the scene. A firearm was also discovered near Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway, though investigators have not confirmed whether it was connected to the attack.

Surveillance footage from both inside and outside the lounge is now being reviewed to help identify those responsible. The NYPD confirmed that no arrests have been made and no descriptions of the suspects have yet been released.

Suspects Still at Large

The lack of immediate arrests has left Crown Heights residents uneasy. Police urged anyone with information to come forward, warning that the shooters remain armed and dangerous.

With details still scarce, questions are mounting about how many attackers were involved, what sparked the violence, and whether the recovered weapon was actually used in the shooting.

Community in Shock After Crown Heights Tragedy

The lounge on Franklin Avenue has long been a popular nightlife spot in the neighbourhood, known for its hookah, late-night music, and drinks. But residents say Sunday morning's carnage is the most devastating incident they can recall.

'I come here often, it's usually lively but safe,' one patron told the New York Post. 'Now I don't think I'll ever step foot inside again.'

Another neighbour described waking to the sound of sirens and seeing victims carried out on stretchers. 'It looked like a war zone,' she said.

Gun Violence Fuels Safety Concerns in New York

This mass shooting adds to a series of violent episodes that have rattled New York City this year. While overall crime numbers show some improvement, headline-grabbing incidents like this one continue to fuel fear, particularly in nightlife districts.

Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly vowed to crack down on illegal firearms, but critics argue that progress has been slow.

The scale of Sunday's attack—with multiple shooters firing into a crowded club—has reignited calls for tougher enforcement and stronger security at late-night venues across the city.

Unanswered Questions in Brooklyn Mass Shooting

As investigators pore over forensic evidence and hours of surveillance video, key questions remain unanswered. Who opened fire inside the lounge?

Why did an argument escalate so quickly into deadly violence? And how many weapons were actually used?

For residents of Crown Heights, the most pressing concern is whether justice will come swiftly—and whether the city can ever make its nightlife feel safe again.

This is a developing story.

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