A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed and two others were injured Wednesday night during a shooting at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, according to multiple news reports citing Nassau County police.
Authorities said the gunfire broke out around 8:20 p.m. near Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue, in the area of Parking Field 2. All three victims were transported to a hospital, where the teenage boy was pronounced dead. The two others were undergoing surgery and reported to be in stable condition.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said the shooting is believed to be gang-related. Reports indicate the violence erupted during a barbecue gathering that had been promoted on social media and linked to members of the Bloods gang.
According to officials and multiple outlets, an argument between two individuals at the gathering escalated into gunfire. Investigators have not disclosed what the dispute was about.
Two people were taken into custody at the scene and were reportedly found with weapons. As of Thursday morning, authorities had not released their identities or announced formal charges.
Additional reporting indicates the park was in the process of closing at the time of the shooting. Workers were clearing the area and locking gates when the gunfire began. An ambulance medic already inside the park reportedly heard shots and responded immediately.
Police also said individuals from outside Nassau County, including from the Bronx and Suffolk County, were believed to be attending the gathering.
The shooting prompted a large police response, with officers from multiple agencies converging on the park and a helicopter observed overhead.
Commissioner Ryder said authorities intend to take action to prevent similar gatherings moving forward, stating that such activity will not be tolerated in county parks.
The identity of the teen who was killed has not yet been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
Photo: sullynyflhi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
