New York City — August 9, 2025 — A late-night shooting at New York City’s iconic Times Square left three people wounded early Saturday morning, prompting a swift police response and renewed discussions about public safety in one of the world’s busiest tourist destinations.
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| A 17-year-old male suspect was detained at the scene |
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the incident occurred around 1:20 a.m. near the intersection of West 44th Street and 7th Avenue, steps away from the Hard Rock Café. The victims — an 18-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 65-year-old man — were all hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities say a 17-year-old male suspect was apprehended at the scene and is currently in custody for questioning. Police recovered a firearm, but no formal charges had been filed at the time of reporting. Investigators believe the shooting followed a verbal dispute between the suspect and one of the victims.
Witness Accounts & Scene Response
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted in the heart of the tourist hub. Video footage from the area showed crowds running for safety, police converging on the scene, and medical responders attending to victims on the pavement.
“It happened so fast,” said one bystander, who had been standing near the red TKTS steps when the shots were fired. “People screamed and scattered. Within seconds, police were everywhere.”
Context & Crime Trends
The shooting comes despite New York City’s overall decline in gun violence this year. As of early August 2025, the city has recorded its lowest number of shootings in decades, according to NYPD statistics. Still, the incident highlights that even high-visibility, heavily patrolled areas like Times Square remain vulnerable to sudden acts of violence.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and tracing the recovered firearm as part of their investigation. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name due to his age.
The NYPD urged anyone with additional information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Key Facts:
Date/Time: August 9, 2025, around 1:20 a.m.
Location: West 44th Street & 7th Avenue, Times Square, New York City
Victims: 18-year-old woman, 19-year-old man, 65-year-old man (all stable)
Suspect: 17-year-old male, in custody, firearm recovered
Cause: Verbal dispute escalated to shooting
Status: Investigation ongoing
FAQs
1. When did the Times Square shooting happen?
The shooting occurred on August 9, 2025, at around 1:20 a.m. near West 44th Street and 7th Avenue in Times Square, New York City.
2. How many people were injured in the Times Square shooting?
Three people were injured — an 18-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 65-year-old man — all of whom are in stable condition.
3. Who is the suspect in the Times Square shooting?
A 17-year-old male suspect was detained at the scene. His identity has not been released due to his age.
4. What caused the Times Square shooting?
Police believe the shooting followed a verbal dispute between the suspect and one of the victims.
5. Is Times Square safe for tourists after this incident?
While Times Square remains one of the most heavily policed areas in New York City, this incident is a reminder that public spaces can still experience acts of violence. Officials encourage visitors to remain vigilant.
6. Has New York City seen a rise in gun violence?
No. In fact, 2025 has seen the lowest number of shootings in decades, according to NYPD statistics, despite isolated incidents like this one.
