NYPD Investigates Shooting Involving Children

A 12-year-old girl was shot in the arm, and two others were injured in a shooting that occurred during a fight between juveniles in Queens, New York City.

A 12-year-old girl was shot in the arm Wednesday evening in Queens, New York City, during a fight involving juveniles, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

The shooting occurred on 160th Street in Queens just before 8 p.m. when two people approached a group of 10 children who were fighting on the sidewalk and opened fire. The preteen girl was struck in the left arm and taken to a children's hospital in stable condition.

In addition to the shooting victim, an 18-year-old female suffered a cut to her head, and a 25-year-old woman sustained a stab wound to the chest. Both were transported to hospitals for treatment.

All three injured individuals were involved in the fight, according to the NYPD. The relationship between the suspects and the children involved in the altercation is still under investigation.

The NYPD is searching for two individuals believed to have fired upon the group of juveniles. No weapon was recovered at the scene, and no arrests have been made.

Investigators are examining whether one or both of the suspects discharged a firearm into the group. Witnesses have provided conflicting accounts of the incident, and the NYPD is reviewing security camera footage in an attempt to determine the sequence of events.

The shooting has raised concerns about the safety of children in New York City, where violent crime has been on the rise in recent months. Mayor Eric Adams has pledged to crack down on gun violence, but critics argue that his policies have not been effective in reducing shootings.

In a statement, the NYPD said it is "committed to ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers, including our children." The department urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

The shooting has left the community in shock and residents are demanding action to address the escalating violence in their neighborhood. A candlelight vigil is planned for later this week to honor the injured victims and call for an end to gun violence.