Courtesy the Amazura Concert Hall Facebook
City officials are condemning a mass shooting outside the Amazura Concert Hall in Jamaica, Queens, on New Year’s Day that left ten people wounded.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
City officials are condemning the reckless violence that marred a memorial event at a nightclub in Jamaica, on New Year’s Day, leaving ten people wounded in a mass shooting outside the Amazura Concert Hall. The attack, which occurred shortly before midnight, has sparked widespread outrage from local leaders, who are calling for immediate action to curb gun violence in the community.
Police say that three or four male suspects fired approximately 30 rounds into a crowd of 15 people standing outside the venue, where a private event was being held in remembrance of a teenager killed last year. The gunmen then fled the scene in a light-colored sedan with out-of-state plates, as paramedics rushed to treat the victims.
The ten people, ranging in age from 16 to 20, were taken to local hospitals. Authorities report that while some sustained minor injuries, all are expected to recover. Six of the victims were taken to Jamaica Hospital Trauma Center, with the remaining individuals treated at other local facilities, including New York-Presbyterian Queens and Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
The shooting took place at a time when over 90 attendees were inside the event space, but it was the group outside waiting to enter that was targeted. Police are now searching for the suspects, who are described as four men seen walking down 91st Avenue just before the gunfire erupted.
Courtesy Freepik
Local leaders are calling for stronger action to curb gun violence, as the investigation continues and suspects remain at large.
Local officials were quick to condemn the incident and demand stronger accountability for establishments with a history of violence.
Council Member James F. Gennaro:
“Many of you may have already heard about the horrific shooting that occurred last night at the Amazura night club in Jamaica within the confines of the 24th Council District, which I represent. Ten victims were shot. My prayers go out to the victims of this violence, and I thank God that all those injured are reportedly in stable condition and are expected to fully recover. This morning, I spoke to NYPD Commissioner Tisch, 103rd Precinct Commanding Officer Clement, and District Attorney Melinda Katz to be briefed on the incident and the investigation.
Because of past episodes of gun violence at Amazura, this establishment has an arrangement with the 103rd Precinct pursuant to the City’s Cure Violence Program, whereby the precinct would be apprised of events held at Amazura, and the NYPD would advise the establishment and provide police presence to deter violence as needed. Early reports suggest that the Cure Violence protocol was not followed by Amazura in this episode and that the police were not made aware of this event and therefore were not on scene to deter last night’s violence. These details are still being investigated.
I pledge to work with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and my Council colleagues to ensure that the NYPD’s successful Cure Violence Program.”
The Cure Violence Program, established by the City Council in 2011, aims to reduce violence by intervening in at-risk situations and preventing potential escalation. Gennaro noted that early reports suggest the venue did not inform the police of the event, possibly violating their agreement under the program.
Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams:
“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the horrific shooting at Amazura last night. Violence like this has no place in our communities, and we must come together to address the root causes and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods. I am in close contact with law enforcement and community leaders to support their efforts and will work tirelessly to advocate for the resources we need to prevent tragedies like this. We stand united against senseless violence and committed to building a safer future for the southeast Queens community”
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers:
“I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic mass shooting at Amazura nightclub on New Year’s Day. My heartfelt condolences go out to the young people who were wounded and their families. I am keeping them in my prayers for a full recovery. The celebration of life for Taerion Mungo, a victim of gun violence, should never have ended in this tragedy. Yesterday’s events serve as a somber reminder that illegal guns must be removed from our streets to ensure a safer New York. Please stay vigilant, as the perpetrators have not yet been apprehended. If you have any information that can help, please contact local law enforcement.”
Brooks-Powers emphasized the ongoing need for vigilant action to address the illegal gun trade and prevent further bloodshed.
Council Member Farah N. Louis:
“The mass shooting outside Amazura nightclub in Jamaica, Queens on New Year’s Day hits especially close to home – both as a Council Member and as a family member whose relative was struck by four bullets. This senseless act of violence, which injured ten teenagers and saw over 30 rounds discharged into a crowd by four individuals, represents a devastating start to 2025 that will leave lasting trauma on these young people and their families. While I am profoundly grateful that all victims survived, including my own family member, this incident underscores the urgent crisis of gun violence plaguing our communities. The fact that ten young New Yorkers cannot even celebrate the New Year without facing deadly violence is a stark reminder that we are failing our youth. This is not just another incident to add to statistics – these are real lives, real families, and real trauma that will have lasting impacts. As a city, we must treat gun violence with the urgency it demands. This requires both immediate action to remove illegal guns from our streets and long-term investment in creating meaningful opportunities for our young people.
I call on all stakeholders – to come together with renewed determination to address this crisis. My heart goes out to all 10 individuals injured and their families and I pray for their speedy recovery.”
Louis called for a combined effort to address the root causes of gun violence and emphasized the need for both immediate action to remove illegal firearms from the streets and long-term investments in youth programs.
The shooting has also drawn comparisons to another violent incident that took place across the country the same day, when an attacker in New Orleans drove a truck into a crowd, killing 15 people.
As the investigation continues, police are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org. All information is kept confidential.
