Shootout on New York subway: one passenger killed, five wounded

An innocent passenger was killed and at least five others, including two teenagers, were injured in a shooting on the subway, police said. Tragedy, as reported New York Post, occurred as a result of a shootout as the train pulled into a station in the Bronx.

On Monday, February 12, at least 10 shots were fired at Mount Eden Avenue station after a fight broke out between two groups of teenagers on the 4 north train. According to police, the 35-year-old man was shot in the chest. His identity has not been made public, but he does not appear to have been the target of the attack.

“Today there was another senseless act of violence in our transit system,” said NYPD Chief Deputy Commissioner Tanya Kinsella. “We have innocent victims, so we want New Yorkers to know that we will get you, no matter who is responsible.”

A 14-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy, a 29-year-old woman and two men, 71 and 28 years old, were injured. Five victims were hospitalized in stable condition.

“We do not believe this was a random shooting. We do not believe this was a random shot at the train,” said NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper. “We believe the shooting occurred due to an argument between two groups that began on the train.”

As the train pulled into the Bronx station and the doors opened, one of the passengers pulled out a gun and began shooting, Kemper said. While the frightened passengers began to flee, the shooting spread to the platform. The victims included both members of rival factions and innocent bystanders. It was not immediately clear what caused the quarrel.

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"This is unacceptable. And when detectives make an arrest - notice I said 'when' because I'm confident they will - the consequences will be immediate," Kemper said.

Witness testimony

One witness said he heard two children “screaming” but knew nothing more because he ran away from the chaos after leaving the train. “It was a terrible crowd,” he admitted. “It makes you afraid to travel by train.”

A woman who called 911 from her nearby apartment reported seeing three teenage boys on the railroad tracks after hearing more than 10 gunshots. “Two children were arguing and one of them ran away,” said the woman, who did not want to give her name. “There were two more standing.” One of the guys was pacing back and forth and the other one just sat down.”

As people got off the train, the teenagers began pointing their fingers at the group of strangers and shouting at them to get off the tracks. “I was so scared: what are these children doing? They had briefcases. I guess they were children,” she decided.

Investigators are still reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. According to police, working video cameras are installed at the station. “Shooter, you are now the NYPD's most wanted, and the best detectives in the world are looking for you,” warned Deputy Commissioner of Public Affairs Tariq Sheppard. “We advise you to give up because you won’t succeed.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the MTA is directed to provide “all necessary support” to the NYPD during the investigation. “We are deeply grateful to the NYPD and other first responders who are working to resolve this situation,” Hochul wrote on social media.