A devastating Crown Heights shooting erupted early Sunday morning at the Taste of the City lounge in Brooklyn, claiming three lives and injuring eight others in what authorities describe as one of the deadliest incidents in the area this year.
The violent encounter unfolded just before 3:30 a.m. inside the packed establishment located at 903 Franklin Avenue. Officers arrived within minutes to the first 9-11 calls and found numerous gunshot victims inside of the location.
Victims Range from 27 to 61 Years Old
The victims, 8 men and 3 women, ranged age from 27 to 61. Three male victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining eight individuals were transported to local hospitals. Medical officials report that the surviving victims are being treated for what authorities classify as non-life-threatening injuries.
The Brooklyn neighborhood has witnessed increased violence this year, with this incident marking the most severe single shooting event in Crown Heights during 2025.
Multiple Shooters Involved in Dispute
Investigators said a dispute inside the crowded club led to the gunfire involving multiple shooters. The chaotic scene left behind extensive evidence of the violence that erupted inside the popular nighttime venue.
Crime scene investigators recovered significant evidence from the location:
- 36 shell casings scattered throughout the lounge
- Multiple bullet trajectories indicating several shooters
- Physical evidence suggesting a prolonged exchange of gunfire
Police Investigation Underway
The New York Police Department continues searching for the suspects responsible for the Crown Heights shooting. No one is in custody.
Detectives are currently reviewing security footage from the area. Detectives are canvassing CCTV video in and around the location. Investigators hope surveillance cameras both inside the establishment and from nearby businesses will provide crucial leads in identifying the perpetrators.
A firearm was discovered near Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway, though police have not yet confirmed whether this weapon connects to the shooting incident.
History of Violence at Location
This tragedy marks the second shooting at the same Franklin Avenue location within recent months. There was another non-fatal shooting at this same lounge in November 2024. The previous incident raises questions about security measures and whether additional precautions could have prevented Sunday’s deadly outcome.
Community Impact and Response
The Crown Heights community continues processing the shock of this mass casualty event. Local residents express growing concerns about nightlife safety and the increasing frequency of gun violence in their neighborhood.
Community leaders are calling for enhanced security measures at entertainment venues and increased police presence during peak weekend hours. The shooting has reignited discussions about weapons screening and capacity limits at nightlife establishments.
Ongoing Investigation
NYPD detectives are working around the clock to piece together the events that led to this deadly confrontation. They urge anyone with information about the Crown Heights shooting to contact authorities immediately.
The investigation encompasses multiple aspects:
- Witness interviews from survivors and bystanders
- Ballistics analysis of recovered shell casings
- Review of social media posts from the evening
- Background checks on known associates of the victims
Police emphasize that solving this case requires community cooperation. Detectives believe multiple witnesses saw the initial dispute that escalated into deadly violence.
The Franklin Avenue corridor, typically bustling with weekend nightlife, remained cordoned off Sunday morning as investigators processed the extensive crime scene. Local businesses in the area temporarily closed out of respect for the victims and their families.