Teen gun violence in the Bronx spikes as 4 are shot in one week
Police data shows shooting incidents in the Bronx are up more than 166% week to date, adding to concerns among local leaders about the surge in violence.
A 17-year-old boy is fighting for his life after police say he was shot multiple times in the Bronx Friday afternoon — the latest in a string of shootings involving teenagers across the borough this week.
Gunfire erupted around 2:40 p.m. on Prospect Avenue near P.S. 188 in Belmont, sending officers rushing to the scene and prompting a street closure.
The 17-year-old victim was struck multiple times and remains in critical condition, investigators said.
The shooting comes after three other teenagers were shot across the Bronx this week, including two who died.
Police say 16-year-old John Nunez was shot in the head early Monday morning while visiting a friend at an apartment on Prospect Avenue.
His family is still searching for answers as investigators work to determine whether the shooting was accidental.
"I don't know who owns the gun. I sure know it's not him," Nunez's sister said.
In Kingsbridge, 15-year-old Riley Blingslea was shot and killed inside an apartment building on Claflin Avenue Wednesday evening, according to police. A 13-year-old boy was also wounded.
Blingslea's family is now demanding justice.
"My child is gone and I would like answers, justice. He did not deserve this," a family member said.
Police data shows shooting incidents in the Bronx are up more than 166% week to date, adding to concerns among local leaders about the surge in violence.
Council Member Pierina Sanchez is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani to increase investments in violence interrupters and other community-based programs.
"Our residents need every level of government working together with urgency to prevent further tragedy and restore safety and hope," Sanchez said.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson voiced her outrage over the recent violence in a post on X.
