Times Square Shooting Injures Three, 17-Year-Old Suspect in Custody
NEW YORK — Three people were injured in a shooting near the bustling Times Square area of New York City early Saturday morning, according to police. The incident, which is believed to have stemmed from a verbal dispute, resulted in a swift police response and the apprehension of a 17-year-old suspect. The event has placed a spotlight on the city’s ongoing efforts to curb gun violence, even as recent data indicates a significant drop in shooting incidents.
Details of the Morning Incident
The shooting occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. at the busy intersection of West 44th Street and 7th Avenue, a location known for its high concentration of tourist attractions, theaters, and restaurants. A spokeswoman for the New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that two men and a woman sustained injuries.
The victims, a 19-year-old man shot in the right foot and a 65-year-old man in the left leg, along with an 18-year-old woman who suffered a graze wound to the neck, were all transported to a local hospital in stable condition. According to preliminary police reports, the incident escalated from an argument between two individuals.
A witness, photographer Leeroy Johnson, documented the scene on social media, posting a video showing the police and emergency services response. He noted seeing bullet holes in car windows and described the chaos in the major tourist hub.
Investigation Underway Amidst Broader Crime Trends
The NYPD has taken a 17-year-old suspect into custody and is continuing its investigation into the incident. The quick response from law enforcement is a key part of the city’s strategy to maintain safety in high-traffic areas.
The shooting comes just one week after a separate high-profile incident where four people were killed in a shooting at a skyscraper on Park Avenue. The suspect in that case, Shane Tamura, was reportedly targeting the NFL’s headquarters.
Despite these recent events, the NYPD announced earlier this week that the city had recorded the fewest shooting incidents and victims in its history for the first seven months of 2025. This positive trend, with 412 incidents and 489 victims recorded through July, highlights the dual reality of crime in a major metropolis: overall progress in reducing violence, even as isolated, high-profile incidents continue to occur.
Conclusion
The incident near Times Square serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of urban environments. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on addressing both the immediate public safety concerns and the underlying factors contributing to such violence, even as the city celebrates a historic decrease in gun crime.