Executive Summary:
Three people were killed and nine others wounded when multiple shooters opened fire during a dispute at a crowded lounge in Brooklyn early Sunday morning. Police are actively searching for the gunmen, who remain at large.
Who:
The victims included 12 individuals: nine men and three women ranging in age from 19 to 61 years old. The three deceased men were identified as 19-year-old Marvin St. Louis, 27-year-old Amadou Diallo, and 35-year-old Jamel Childs. The injured were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening wounds. The shooters are believed to be up to four individuals, who fled the scene and have not been apprehended by authorities.
What:
The incident was a mass shooting that occurred inside the Taste of the City Lounge in Crown Heights. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the shooting erupted during a dispute among patrons, resulting in multiple casualties. Officers arriving at the scene found victims both inside and outside the establishment.
When:
The violence unfolded around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Police responded to multiple 911 calls within minutes of the shooting, with first units arriving at 3:33 a.m.
Where:
The shooting took place at the Taste of the City Lounge, located at 903 Franklin Avenue in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. The establishment, a hookah lounge and restaurant, was crowded at the time, with many patrons present during the late-night hours.
Why:
Authorities indicated the shooting appears to be gang-related, stemming from a dispute inside the venue. The NYPD noted that approximately 60% of the city’s shootings are linked to gang activity. Mayor Eric Adams urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
How:
Investigators recovered 42 shell casings at the scene, indicating multiple firearms were used by the assailants. One weapon was found near the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway, though its direct connection to the shooting remains under investigation. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the area to identify the perpetrators and their escape routes.
Impact:
This incident marks the second deadly mass shooting in New York City in less than three weeks, following a July 28 attack in Midtown Manhattan that left four dead. Despite overall gun violence declining to record lows in the city for the first seven months of the year, the event has caused significant community trauma and reignited public safety concerns. Anti-violence groups like Elite Learners and Brownsville Think Tank Matters mobilized to provide mental health support and prevent retaliatory violence.
What’s Next:
The NYPD investigation is ongoing, with police urging witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously. The city has deployed crisis management teams to the area to mitigate potential retaliation. Community leaders and officials, including Council Member Crystal Hudson, are advocating for increased funding for violence intervention programs and legislative changes to secure more state and federal resources for mass shooting responses. Multiple city agencies are assessing whether the Taste of the City Lounge will remain open.