New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emphasized that violence must not be accepted as normal following the tragic shooting of a 12-year-old boy in the Bronx. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that the shooting occurred around Elliot Place in Mount Eden.
A witness described hearing five shots and saw the boy fall from his bike on the sidewalk, while the shooter drove away in a Jeep. The young victim was shot in the shoulder and pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital.
Two other victims were involved in the incident. A 34-year-old man sustained a foot injury, and a 25-year-old was shot in the backside. Both are expected to recover, according to police.
“They’re great kids, they were just riding their bikes minding their business,” said family friend Jose Sanchez, adding that the incident was “heartbreaking.”
Mayor Mamdani responded on social media, expressing sorrow for the boy’s family and gratitude for hospital staff and the NYPD’s efforts in pursuing justice. He reiterated that children should be able to enjoy their neighborhoods without fear.
Mamdani took office in January and has consistently addressed gun crime. He cited that between January and July, there were 322 shooting incidents and 381 victims, a decrease from the previous year’s figures.
Earlier in the year, a seven-month-old baby was fatally shot in Brooklyn, highlighting ongoing concerns about gang-related violence. In response to various incidents, Mamdani has vowed to hold perpetrators accountable.
Mamdani’s commitment to public safety extends back to his mayor-elect days. He condemned the 2025 Brown University shooting and consistently addressed the need to tackle gun violence.
Despite recent tragedies, Mamdani noted that the first half of 2026 marked the safest start to any year on record, showcasing improved public safety measures across the city.
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