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Grieving father speaks out after son killed by stray bullet in Queens bar
Demitri McKay Sr. describes unimaginable pain after his 29-year-old son, an innocent bystander, was fatally shot.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:19am
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A grieving father is speaking out after his 29-year-old son, Demitri McKay Jr., was killed by a stray bullet during a shooting at a bar in Queens, New York. The victim's father, Demitri McKay Sr., is devastated, saying he wishes it was him instead of his son, who he describes as a peacemaker full of love. Police are searching for two suspects seen in surveillance video who allegedly fired multiple shots into a crowd.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the devastating impact it can have on innocent bystanders and their families. It also raises questions about public safety and security measures in local establishments.
The details
The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday inside Hangar 11, a restaurant and bar in Kew Gardens, Queens. McKay Jr. was an MTA bus driver who was struck by a stray bullet that went through his arm and into his heart, killing him. His father, Demitri McKay Sr., is a deacon and chair of the trustee board at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis, where McKay Jr. grew up and served as an usher.
- The shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2026.
The players
Demitri McKay Jr.
The 29-year-old victim who was killed by a stray bullet while an innocent bystander at the bar.
Demitri McKay Sr.
The grieving father of the victim, who is a deacon and chair of the trustee board at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis.
What they’re saying
“Son. I wish it was me instead of you. They got the wrong Demitri. They got the wrong Demitri. I wish it was me so my son could live and raise his son.”
— Demitri McKay Sr., Victim's father
“I keep thinking he's going to come out the room. I keep thinking he's going to say, 'hey pop, hi pop.' And my wife and I we keep going in there and sitting in his bed and we'll lay on his bed, smelling his clothes. Oh god. Oh god.”
— Demitri McKay Sr., Victim's father
“I feel sorry for those assailants who killed my son because if they would've took the time to know him, they would've loved them too and I just want to say to those people who killed my son. I forgive you. I forgive you and I pray that one day your life will turn around.”
— Demitri McKay Sr., Victim's father
What’s next
Police are continuing to search for the two suspects seen in surveillance video and are investigating the shooting.
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives and the immense grief experienced by families who lose loved ones to senseless acts of violence. It also highlights the importance of community support, forgiveness, and efforts to address the root causes of such crimes.
