Gun violence prevention groups, local elected officials and families came together Tuesday to denounce a mass shooting that left eight people wounded, including four children, during a Fourth of July gathering in Coney Island.

The shooting occurred just before 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at a family barbecue in the front courtyard of 2929 W. 31st St., near Surf Avenue. Family and friends were gathered outside when police said a man dressed in all black and wearing a ski mask approached the fence line and opened fire, sending numerous rounds into the courtyard.

The gunman then fled on foot southbound on West 30th Street toward Surf Avenue, police said. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani took to the podium Tuesday to condemn the violence.

“We stand here knowing that when New York City often thinks of the Fourth of July, we imagine Coney Island — families walking together along the boardwalk, riding the Cyclone, eating a hot dog, ending the night with fireworks. That is what we should expect,” he told the crowd. “That is what we should expect from this holiday, and from this special corner of our city; celebration, not a community picking up the pieces.”

“Violence has no place in our city. No place,” added Deputy Mayor Renita Francois. “No one should have to worry about being caught in gunfire. No one should have to experience the fear and heartbreak of seeing their community harmed by violence. Our city is committed to a whole of government approach that brings us together to ensure communities do not fall through the crash and that they have the resources that they need to thrive.”

Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks Tuesday in Coney Island as community leaders and families call for action following a Fourth of July shooting that wounded eight people.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

The mother of several victims, identified only as Tiffany, spoke through tears about the lasting impact the shooting has had on her family.

“These folks were targeting someone and missed their target. My daughter, she doesn’t even like to go outside because of gun violence. And the one time we got her to come out and enjoy in the barbecue, this happened,” she said. “Now she’s fighting for her life.”

As Tiffany spoke, the grandmother of the youngest victims broke down in tears and cried in her arms. Tiffany continued describing the pain her family has endured since the shooting, saying the trauma has affected even the youngest members.

“I have to look at my daughter connected to [machines], fighting,” she said. “My 3-year-old can’t sleep. And she doesn’t stop crying for her sister.”

Tiffany, the mother of several victims, speaks through tears Tuesday as she describes the impact of the Coney Island shooting on her family.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Public Advocate Jumaane Williams speaks Tuesday in Coney Island, calling on lawmakers to take action against gun violence after a Fourth of July shooting left eight people wounded, including four children.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Elected officials in attendance included Council Member Kayla Santosuosso, Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Williams called on Congress to take action to curb gun violence.

“I wish congress would help us pass laws to stop these mass shootings,” he said, adding that the media should focus its attention on the people and families living with the trauma left behind by gun violence.

At a press conference following the shooting, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there was no indication that an argument or altercation occurred at the barbecue before bullets rang out.

The victims included four children: a 6-year-old boy who was shot in the abdomen, a 7-year-old boy who was struck in both legs, a 12-year-old boy who was shot in one leg and a 14-year-old boy who suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh.

Four adults were also wounded in the shooting. A 21-year-old man was shot in the chest, a 25-year-old woman was struck in the leg, a 33-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and a 37-year-old man was shot in the shoulder.

Residents, elected officials and gun violence prevention groups gather in Coney Island Tuesday to condemn a Fourth of July shooting that left eight people wounded, including four children.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Community members stand together in Coney Island Tuesday to demand action after a gunman opened fire during a holiday barbecue, injuring eight people.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

EMS transported all eight victims to nearby hospitals. One victim was listed in critical condition, while the others were reported to be stable.

Police recovered a firearm with an extended magazine and at least 10 shell casings at the scene.

Tisch said investigators are also looking into whether the shooting is connected to a gang-related homicide that happened on the same block the previous week.

On Tuesday, Mayor Mamdani praised the city’s gun violence outreach teams — such as Operation H.O.O.D. (Helping Our Own Develop), Urban Neighborhood Services’ SNUG program and the Coney Island Trauma Recovery Center — and urged community members to come forward with tips that could help investigators identify the shooter.

“This was not a failure of anyone. This is a responsibility of all of us,” he said. “And I say that to you as the mayor of our city.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.