A mother and her 12-year-old daughter were caught in a terrifying shooting in the Bronx on Monday afternoon, leaving six people injured, including the young girl. The attack, which police believe was targeted, unfolded around 4:51 p.m. at 3544 White Plains Road in Gun Hill, a busy area in the 47th Precinct.
According to interim Chief of Department John Chell, two men suddenly started firing at a small group of four people standing on the sidewalk. As bullets flew, the group tried to escape by rushing into a nearby bodega for cover. Tragically, the violence didn’t end there.
Inside the store, one of the intended targets—who wasn’t hit—did something unimaginable. In a desperate move, he grabbed a 40-year-old mother who was standing by the counter and used her as a shield. The woman, who was there with her young daughter, was shot in the stomach. To make things even worse, her 12-year-old daughter was also hit, suffering a gunshot wound to her leg.
Both mother and daughter were rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, where doctors say they are expected to recover. Four other men, aged between 18 and 21, were also wounded in the attack. They were hit in their arms and legs and are in stable condition. One of the victims even walked into a local hospital on his own to get help.
Police are now piecing together what happened and trying to figure out who the intended targets were and why this attack took place. John Chell called the incident “heartless” and condemned the shooters for putting so many innocent lives in danger.
This wasn’t just any random act of violence; it was a bold and reckless attack in broad daylight. “Two shooters opened fire in the middle of the street and into a crowded convenience store,” Chell said.
The police are searching for the suspects, described as one man in a black Nike tracksuit and another wearing a grey hoodie. Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward. You can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org. Spanish speakers can dial 888-57-PISTA. Your tips can help bring these attackers to justice, and all information will be kept confidential.
