Teen girls shot near NYC’s Stonewall Inn, triggering significant narrative changes in the community.

A 16-year-old girl who was shot in the head near Manhattan’s Stonewall Inn on Sunday night is believed to have been the initial shooter in a sequence of events involving two teenage girls being shot, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the case. On Monday, police provided a breakdown of the incident that revealed a fight had erupted between two groups of young people who were likely acquainted with each other.

During the chaos, the 16-year-old pulled out a 9-millimeter gun and allegedly fired at a boy, narrowly missing him. However, one of the shots struck a bystander approximately 100 feet away.

This victim, a 17-year-old girl from New Jersey, was in the city for Pride celebrations and sustained a gunshot wound to her thigh. She was taken to the hospital, where she is expected to recover.

The reasons behind the girl’s decision to fire at the boy remain unclear. Following the shooting, she and her associates fled the scene, at which point another boy in her group turned and began to shoot as well.

One of those shots hit the initial shooter in the head, resulting in critical injuries. She was soon transported to a nearby hospital and was reportedly in police custody, though she may not be able to communicate for the time being.

The nature of any potential charges against her remains undetermined, and there are no descriptions of the male shooter responsible for her injuries. Officials recovered a weapon from the scene, though it is not confirmed which firearm it was.

A total of six shots were reportedly fired, with some striking food carts and nearby structures. Additionally, another 17-year-old girl at the scene sustained a stab wound to her stomach, though it remains uncertain if her injury is connected to the gunfire.

She has not cooperated with police and is also expected to recover. The shooting, which occurred in Sheridan Square close to the historic Stonewall Inn during the city’s annual Pride Month celebration, is not being classified as a hate crime and is not believed to be linked to the festivities.

Mayor Eric Adams condemned the incident, emphasizing that it overshadowed a time meant for celebration within the LGBTQ+ community. Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed her support, indicating that the New York State Police are prepared to assist in the investigation if necessary.