Chaos at NYC Pride: Two Teen Girls Shot, Six Others Bear-Sprayed Near Historic Stonewall Inn

NEW YORK CITY — What was meant to be a joyful and unifying celebration during Pride Month turned into a scene of violence and chaos in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village late Saturday night, when a shooting near the historic Stonewall Inn left two teenage girls wounded and six additional individuals injured from bear spray.

The incident occurred just after 10:00 p.m., in the midst of ongoing New York City Pride festivities, sending shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The Stonewall Inn, a national symbol of LGBTQ+ rights and the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, became the backdrop for yet another act of senseless violence.

The Victims

According to the New York Police Department, the two victims of the shooting are:

• A 16-year-old girl, who was shot in the head and is currently listed in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital.
• A 17-year-old girl, who was shot in the leg and is reported to be in stable condition.

The NYPD has not released their names due to their age and privacy concerns but confirmed both were participating in or present at the Pride events in the area.

In addition to the shooting victims, six other individuals were attacked with bear spray—a powerful irritant commonly used in assaults. Authorities say those affected experienced intense eye and skin irritation and were treated at the scene. None of those injuries were life-threatening.

Ongoing Investigation

At this time, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Detectives are actively reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, canvassing witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence.

A motive has not been established, and police have not confirmed whether the attack was targeted or random, or if it was directly connected to the Pride celebration. Investigators are exploring all possibilities, including whether this may have been a hate-motivated crime given the location and timing during a major LGBTQ+ event.

Reactions and Community Response

The attack has sent shock and outrage through New York’s LGBTQ+ community and allies across the country.

“Stonewall is sacred ground,” said one attendee who witnessed the panic unfold. “To see violence happen here during Pride—it’s terrifying and heartbreaking.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban have both released statements condemning the violence and promising a full investigation. “We will not tolerate violence of any kind, especially in spaces meant to celebrate love, equality, and unity,” Mayor Adams said. “We are working closely with the NYPD to bring those responsible to justice.”

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are calling for increased security measures at Pride events and for hate crimes against queer and trans communities to be taken more seriously nationwide.

A Night Meant for Celebration

Saturday night’s events were meant to mark a celebration of resilience, visibility, and progress. The Pride march in Greenwich Village had drawn large, diverse crowds, many of whom gathered near the Stonewall Inn—a landmark of liberation since the 1969 uprising.

But in a matter of seconds, music, laughter, and unity gave way to fear, sirens, and screams as shots rang out.

What’s Next

The NYPD has urged anyone with information—no matter how minor it may seem—to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously via:

• NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline: 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)
• Crime Stoppers App: Available on iOS and Android

As investigators continue working around the clock, New Yorkers are left asking how violence could erupt in such a historically significant place—during a moment meant to honor love and liberation.

Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire LGBTQ+ community. Let this senseless act serve as a reminder of how important it is to remain vigilant, supportive, and united in the face of hatred.