Two teenage girls were shot near the historic Stonewall Inn in New York City on Sunday, June 29, just as the annual Pride parade festivities were winding down. The shooting occurred at about 10:15 p.m., leaving one of the girls in critical condition and the other in stable condition. The incident happened just hours after the city’s Pride march, which honors the 1969 Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history.
Victims of the Shooting
The first victim, a 16-year-old girl, was shot in the head and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The second victim, a 17-year-old girl, was shot in the leg and is reported to be in stable condition.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Monday morning, no arrests had been made, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, though no specific details about the suspect(s) have been released.
Mayor’s Reaction
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sadness over the shooting, noting that it occurred during a time when the city should have been celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “During a time when our city should be rejoicing and celebrating members of our diverse LGBTQ+ community, incidents like this are devastating. We’re praying for the speedy recovery of the victims in tonight’s shooting. The NYPD will work quickly and tirelessly to bring the suspects to justice.”
Significance of the Location
The shooting occurred near the Stonewall Inn, a key historical site for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The inn was the location of the 1969 Stonewall riots, which are widely considered to have sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. The Stonewall Inn was named a New York City historic landmark in 2015 and later became a national monument in 2016, designated by then-President Barack Obama.
This tragic incident highlights the need for continued efforts toward safety and respect for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially during events meant to celebrate their rights and achievements. Authorities are working diligently to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
