On Tuesday, two cousins who were shot at a playground in Brooklyn shared their harrowing experience and updated on their recovery.
Minutes after they arrived at the Hilltop Playground, the girls found themselves caught in the middle of gunfire.
Dean and Thomas Boyland streets intersect with each other.
Empress recounted the moment when she felt her shoulder and her cousin started screaming about a leg or a knee.
Fortunately, Ruanna’s knee was not fractured despite the bullet passing through it.
Ruanna shared that she was feeling alright, although she was a bit anxious during her visit with the doctors. The medical professionals urged her to engage in conversation to avoid nodding off, but she didn’t have much to say. They inquired about her summer activities, however.
The Empress is currently under hospital care, but she is expected to be discharged soon and is eager to resume her normal childhood activities.
As the girls played in the park, Empress’ mother sat on a bench watching them. Suddenly, the sound of gunfire echoed through the air. It was a terrifying moment as the playground was just across the street from their home.
According to Ruanna’s mother, her daughter was up all night, filled with fear that she was alone.
Authorities are currently on the lookout for two men who are believed to have fired at least six shots from two separate weapons at a park. Reports indicate that the young girls who were present during the shooting were not the intended targets. The search is now underway to locate and apprehend the two individuals responsible for pulling the trigger in the park.
In response to the gunmen, Ruanna’s mother had a clear message: “Find something better to do with your time. Your actions are risking the lives of innocent children. I urge you to think about the people who look up to you and the example you’re setting for them.” Her words carry a powerful truth – the senseless violence inflicted by these gunmen has far-reaching consequences and brings nothing but harm to the community.
According to Empress’ mother, she is devastated to see innocent children being targeted in senseless acts of violence.
The 73rd Precinct has experienced a staggering increase of 76% in the number of shooting victims this year when compared to the previous year.
Compared to the same period last year, there has been a significant increase of 266% in the number of murders in this particular neighborhood.
According to Kaz Daughty, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations, the world’s best detectives are on the case and there is a high level of confidence that the investigation will be concluded soon.