This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On July 27, a mass shooting at a neighborhood block party in Brooklyn turned a joyous celebration into a bloodbath, leaving one person dead and 11 others injured. The police have now arrested the gunman, Kyle Williams, 20, in connection with the shooting.
According to the police, Williams opened fire on a rival at the Brownsville Old Timers Day block party, killing 38-year-old Jason Pagan, a Bloods gang member who had been released from prison six months prior. The wounded victims, ranging in age from 21 to 55, were struck in the back, legs, and head as they fled the scene.
Williams was taken into custody on murder and other charges, including attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon. He was expected to be formally charged on Thursday in criminal court in Brooklyn.
Police Chief Dermot F. Shea said the arrest followed an extensive investigation, which included a $20,000 reward for tips and the release of photos and video of two women wanted for questioning in connection to the shooting.
The motive behind the shooting is still unclear, but officials have described it as a gang dispute. The shooting was the first instance of violence at the annual homecoming event in its 56-year history.
