Tragic Shooting Near Stonewall Inn: Two Teens Shot After NYC Pride March

Two teenage girls were shot near the Stonewall Inn as NYC Pride celebrations wrapped up on Sunday night. The incident took place around 10 p.m. in Sheridan Square, close to the historic LGBTQ bar.

A 16-year-old girl was critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head. The 17-year-old girl was shot in the leg but is stable. Both girls were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Authorities are still investigating the shooting and haven’t identified any suspects. It remains unclear if the incident was a hate crime. New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sadness about the event, saying, “During a time when our city should be rejoicing and celebrating members of our diverse LGBTQ+ community, incidents like this are devastating.”

The Stonewall Inn had been set to host various events for NYC Pride, a celebration that attracts people from all over the world.

In a statement, the Christopher Street Project, which advocates for transgender rights, mourned the violence. They said, “Tonight, we are holding the victims of the shooting outside the Stonewall Inn and their families in our hearts.”

One bystander, Vivian Lewis, shared her distress. She said she felt “heartbroken” and described the scene with police drones and ambulances. "I saw medical workers scrimmaging. I got sympathy adrenaline from watching that,” she recalled.

This tragedy serves as a reminder of the ongoing violence affecting the LGBTQ+ community. According to a 2022 report from the Human Rights Campaign, over 40 transgender or gender non-conforming people were killed in the U.S., highlighting a troubling trend.

As discussions around safety for LGBTQ+ individuals continue, this incident raises important questions about the steps needed to create a safer environment. The impact on the community is profound, making events like NYC Pride become not only celebrations but also reflections on the challenges that persist.

For more information on the situation, you can check NBC New York’s coverage.

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