On Thursday afternoon, local time, a shooting broke out in Times Square, causing panic and forcing hundreds of tourists and New Yorkers to flee.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced that a 17-year-old teenager was arrested following the incident, CBS News reports. According to the police report, it all began around 3:30 p.m. on Broadway with a confrontation involving a large group of migrants.
During the altercation, a 26-year-old man had his throat slit. Shortly afterward, the 17-year-old suspect, who is also a migrant, opened fire on the same group of people. He was taken into custody, but no charges have yet been filed against him.
Soon after, a second shooting occurred nearby. Fortunately, no one was injured in either shooting. The man with the neck wound was transported to a hospital, is in stable condition, and is expected to make a full recovery.
EarthCam's Times Square cameras captured today's shooting incident and the immediate crowd response in the heart of New York City. pic.twitter.com/2ycU02zhZT
— EarthCam (@EarthCam) June 18, 2026
Dozens of police officers arrived at the scene. Investigators examined a blue Hyundai after its owner reported that something struck the vehicle during the chaos.
Police confirmed that a weapon was also recovered at the location. A search is underway for several other individuals believed to be connected to the incident. The sound of gunfire caused widespread panic, and terrified people began running in all directions seeking shelter.
Panic also spread inside the nearby Raising Cane’s restaurant, where people rushed for safety, and video footage shows crowds running inside.
“It sounded like glass was breaking because people were rushing inside in panic,” said witness Michael Reed.
“Crowds of people were running in without thinking. Children were lying on the floor,” said another witness, Aidan Spencer.
“It was very loud. It sounded like everything was happening right behind me. I just lay down on the floor.”
A 17-year-old firing shots into the middle of a crowded Times Square…also one of the largest “Gun Free Zones” in the nation. Police recovered a weapon and took the teen into custody. pic.twitter.com/zcfVdppoF1
— Guns&Gadgets (@Guns_Gadgets) June 19, 2026
One witness took shelter in a nearby candy store:
“We started seeing people running, so we just went into the Hershey store. We stayed there.”
Panic also spread inside the nearby Raising Cane’s restaurant, where people rushed for safety, and video footage shows crowds running inside.
“It sounded like glass was breaking because people were rushing inside in panic,” said witness Michael Reed.
“Crowds of people were running in without thinking. Children were lying on the floor,” said another witness, Aidan Spencer.
“It was very loud. It sounded like everything was happening right behind me. I just lay down on the floor.”
One witness took shelter in a nearby candy store:
“We started seeing people running, so we just went into the Hershey store. We stayed there.”
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Source: Kurir; Foto: Printscreen X