Shooting at July Fourth cookout near Coney Island beach leaves 8 wounded, including 4 kids

A Fourth of July celebration in Brooklyn ended in violence late Saturday, July 4, 2026, when a gunman opened fire on a family gathering near Coney Island beach. Eight people were wounded during the incident, which occurred in the courtyard of an apartment building located at 2930 W. 30th St., near Surf Ave. The location is approximately one block from the Coney Island boardwalk, a site that had hosted large crowds earlier in the day for the annual Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest and fireworks displays.

According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the shooting took place at about 10:35 p.m. A suspect described as wearing a black mask and all-black clothing reportedly fired over a fence and into the courtyard where the family was holding a cookout. Investigators stated that there were no reports of disputes or disturbances at the gathering prior to the gunfire. Officials are currently examining whether the incident may be linked to a gang-related homicide that occurred on the same block earlier in the week.

The wounded include four children, ranging in age from 6 to 14. Police identified the specific injuries for the younger victims: a 6-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, a 7-year-old male was shot in both legs, a 12-year-old male was hit in one leg, and a 14-year-old male suffered a thigh injury. Four adults were also struck: a 21-year-old female shot in the chest, a 33-year-old male wounded in the chest, a 25-year-old female hit in the leg, and a 37-year-old male shot in the shoulder.

Following the attack, emergency responders arrived to find a chaotic scene. Video footage and accounts from the area showed police officers carrying young victims to safety to receive urgent medical care. Currently, the 21-year-old female remains in critical condition. The seven other victims are reported to be in stable condition and are expected to survive.

While a firearm was recovered from a book bag found under trees near the scene, police have not yet identified or apprehended a suspect. Residents of the area have expressed concerns regarding the ongoing safety of the block, with some characterizing the location as a site prone to frequent disturbances and raucous activity. One local deli worker noted that the presence of multiple victims and the nature of the attack led to concerns that more than one shooter could have been involved, though official reports currently focus on the masked suspect identified by the commissioner.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the shooting during a news briefing held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, condemning the violence and pledging a robust law enforcement response.

"There is no place for this kind of violence in our city. We will not tolerate it and we will fight it with every tool at our disposal. As we mourn alongside those whose loved ones have been hurt, let us also recommit ourselves to the work of building a city where every celebration is safe and every holiday is joyful."

Zohran Mamdani, Mayor, via reporting on the news briefing

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as detectives work to identify the perpetrator and confirm any connections to previous criminal activity on the block. Police have not yet provided a timeline for potential arrests.