Crime
11 people injured in mass shooting outside Amazura Nightclub in Queens, New York
Authorities are also searching for a light-colored sedan believed to be connected to the shooting.
On the evening of January 1, 2025, a mass shooting occurred outside the Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York, leaving 11 people injured.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has launched an extensive investigation into the incident, with reports suggesting that two suspects may still be at large.
Authorities are also searching for a light-colored sedan believed to be connected to the shooting.
The shooting took place around 11:20 p.m., as a large crowd was exiting the Amazura nightclub following a private New Yearโs celebration.
According to NYPD officials, a group of four men fired more than 30 shots into the crowd near the venue, striking ten individualsโsix females and four malesโaged between 16 and 20.
The injured victims were transported to Long Island Jewish Hospital and Cohenโs Children Medical Center for treatment. None of the injuries were life-threatening, and all victims are expected to survive, the NYPD confirmed during a Thursday morning press conference.
The NYPD swiftly responded to the scene, establishing a large crime scene to collect evidence and secure the area.
Photos from the location show investigators placing dozens of evidence markers on the street and sidewalk near the nightclub.
In a statement, the NYPD emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward gun violence:
โThis senseless act of violence is unacceptable. Those responsible will be apprehended and brought to justice.โ
The department has not released any details regarding a motive but is actively pursuing leads to identify and locate the suspects.
Preliminary reports suggest that two suspects were involved in the shooting. Their identities and whereabouts remain unknown at this time.
Authorities are also seeking information about a light-colored sedan seen fleeing the scene, which is believed to be connected to the crime.
The Amazura nightclub, located in Jamaica, Queens, is a well-known venue with a capacity of 4,000. It regularly hosts DJs, live performances, and private events.
This incident is one of several acts of violence reported across the United States on New Yearโs Day.
Other incidents include a truck attack in New Orleans that killed 15 people and a Tesla truck explosion in Las Vegas that claimed one life and injured seven.
The NYPD is urging anyone with information about the Amazura nightclub shooting to come forward by contacting their Crime Stoppers hotline.
As the investigation continues, authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.