Eight injured, four children, in Coney Island shooting

At least eight people, including four children, were shot and wounded late Saturday night in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, New York, during Fourth of July celebrations. The shooting occurred near a fireworks display, sending victims to area hospitals and prompting a large police response.

The New York Police Department said officers were dispatched to the area of West 30th Street and Surf Avenue at approximately 10:35 p.m. on July 4 after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found eight victims. The injured included two men, ages 33 and 37; two women, ages III and 25; and four boys, ages 6, 7, 12, and 14.

A 21-year-old woman, who was shot in the chest, was listed in critical condition. The seven other victims were transported to hospitals and were reported to be in stable condition. Their injuries included gunshot wounds to the legs, thigh, stomach, and shoulder.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as police officers rushed to aid the wounded, with some carrying young children to waiting ambulances. A deli worker on the corner said he saw police running with children in their arms and observed one child being placed into an ambulance.