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Law enforcement officials in New York City are actively seeking the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old in Queens.
Jaden Pierre became the victim of gun violence when he was confronted by a group of teenagers on a basketball court at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, with a single shot fired that struck Pierre in the chest, as reported by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
He was transported urgently to Jamaica Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition before he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
This tragic event took place in a public park, a common gathering place for teenagers to play basketball, and highlights the ongoing struggle with youth violence in New York City, often amplified by the pervasive reach of social media.
The NYPD continues its search for Jaden Pierre’s assailant, following reports of the fatal gunshot wound to his chest.
One witness told CBS News, “I came over here, I heard a shot go off, so I came running over here to make sure everybody was okay, especially my friends, and I seen a kid lying dead. And I know him from coming over here to play basketball. Good basketball player, cool kid.”
Videos circulating on X appear to show moments leading up to the shooting, with a crowd surrounding Pierre and another person as the teenager is repeatedly punched before the group quickly disperses.
As of Saturday, no arrests have been made, but the NYPD told Fox News Digital it released photos of a person wanted in connection with the shooting.
No arrests have been made regarding the case, but the NYPD has released photos of a person who may be connected to the shooting. (Peter Gerber)
New York Attorney General Letitia James reacted to the killing in a post on X, writing, “My heart is heavy tonight after we lost a 15-year-old to a senseless act of gun violence. I’m praying for his family, loved ones, and community. I will continue to work tirelessly every day to end gun violence in New York.”
Pastor Cory Brooks, founder of Project H.O.O.D., said in a statement to Fox News Digital that his heart was “shattered” as he condemned the crowd for filming the attack instead of stepping in.
“A 15-year-old child was hunted down, beaten, and shot dead in cold blood,” Brooks wrote. “In a playground. Where laughter belongs. Not execution.”
The NYPD is asking anyone with information regarding the shooting of Jaden Pierre to contact them using the Crime Stoppers hotline. (Peter Gerber)
His statement continued: “The crowd did not run for help. They pulled out phones, recorded every brutal second, and cheered as if it were entertainment. That video does not just document a murder — it exposes a generation whose conscience has been seared by moral darkness. These were our own children devouring our own children.”
The NYPD is asking anyone with information about the shooter to call its Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish.
Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or on X at @NYPDTIPS.