9-Year-Old Boy Shot in Leg in Brooklyn

Victim rushed to hospital, no arrests made as police investigate motive

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:49am

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A 9-year-old boy was shot in the leg on Thursday afternoon in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The child was taken to a nearby hospital and is recovering from his injuries, though police say he was not the intended target of the shooting. Authorities are still searching for the suspects, who were seen fleeing towards a nearby train station after the incident.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving children is a major concern in many urban communities, and this incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing this issue. The shooting comes just hours after the NYPD touted progress in reducing gun violence across the city, underscoring the complex and persistent nature of the problem.

The details

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. near the intersection of Livonia Avenue and Bristol Street. The victim's aunt described him as a "nice boy who just wanted to play" outside when the gunfire erupted. Neighbors reported hearing around four gunshots before seeing three individuals fleeing towards a nearby train station. Police say the 9-year-old was not the intended target of the shooting, and no arrests have been made so far.

  • The shooting occurred just before 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • Hours before the incident, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch held a press conference touting progress against gun violence in the city.

The players

9-year-old boy

The victim of the shooting, who was struck in the leg and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Aunt of the victim

A relative of the 9-year-old boy who described him as a "nice boy who just wanted to play" outside when the shooting occurred.

Esmeralda Perez

A neighbor who said her kids ran inside the house when they heard the gunshots, and that she had never seen any problems in the area before.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch

The head of the New York Police Department, who had held a press conference earlier that day touting progress in reducing gun violence across the city.

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What they’re saying

“He was coming to ring the bell to get my child to come out to play. It's a nice day outside in the community. I'm very shook up.”

— Aunt of the victim

“It had to be about four gunshots that I heard.”

— Esmeralda Perez, Neighbor

“As the result of our crime-fighting strategies, shooting incidents this year are down 25% compared to 2024 and 40% compared to 2023.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner

What’s next

Police say they are still investigating the motive for the shooting and searching for the suspects, who were seen fleeing towards a nearby train station.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence, particularly when it involves innocent bystanders like children. While the NYPD has touted progress in reducing shootings, this shooting serves as a sobering reminder that more work is needed to ensure the safety of all community members.