1 Dead, 8 Wounded After Mass Shooting in Harlem

One person was killed and eight others were injured after gunfire erupted in the East Side of Harlem in New York City.

A group of people were gathered for what was believed to be a late-night barbecue just before the shooting occurred in the area of Fifth Avenue and East 139th Street just after 12:35 a.m. Monday morning.

Upon arrival, police found five people shot on a footpath under the Madison Avenue Bridge. These victims were taken to nearby hospitals by emergency crews. Four others were taken by private means, according to NBC.

An unidentified 21-year-old man was transported to Lincoln Hospital and pronounced dead. The other eight victims, six men and two women, ranging in age from 21 to 42, are in stable condition and are expected to survive, per CBS.

A witness who lives in the area told Eyewitness News that there were so many gunshots that she couldn’t believe her ears. “You know, it was so many shots. First I thought it was fireworks. and then I thought, 'Nah, it can't be.'"

A gun was recovered at the scene, but police are unsure whether if it was the weapon used to carry out the shooting. Authorities have blocked off the surrounding area as they continue their investigation.