A late-night shooting inside a crowded Brooklyn hookah lounge ended in tragedy early Sunday, leaving three people dead and nine others wounded, according to police.
The violence broke out around 3:30 a.m. at Taste of the City Lounge in Crown Heights, following what investigators believe began as an argument inside the establishment. Witnesses reported chaos as multiple gunmen opened fire just as the club was closing.
A 19-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while two other victims, ages 27 and 35, died later at nearby hospitals. One of those killed was identified as 35-year-old Jamel Andre Childs. Nine additional people, ranging in age from 19 to 61, were treated for gunshot wounds that were not considered life-threatening.
Police recovered at least 42 shell casings of different calibers at the scene and found a firearm nearby that is being examined for possible use in the attack. Officials said as many as four shooters may have been involved. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the shooting appears tied to a dispute with possible gang connections but emphasized the investigation is still ongoing.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attack, describing it as a rare outlier during a period when New York City has seen a decline in gun violence. Crisis management teams have been deployed to assist families of the victims, prevent potential retaliation, and encourage witnesses to come forward with information.
This was not the first time the lounge has been linked to violence. In November 2024, a separate shooting outside the same venue left two people injured, raising concerns over ongoing safety issues tied to the establishment.
