In the heart of Brooklyn’s vibrant Crown Heights, a night meant for celebration spiraled into chaos and heartbreak at the Taste of the City Lounge on Franklin Avenue. Just before 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, the pulsing energy of the lounge was shattered by a barrage of gunfire, leaving three men dead and eight others wounded in a devastating mass shooting that has rocked the community.
The scene unfolded in the early morning hours, as patrons filled the popular venue, unaware of the tragedy about to unfold. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a dispute among patrons ignited the violence, escalating into a deadly confrontation. The sound of gunfire pierced the air, prompting frantic 911 calls that drew police to the locked-down address at 903 Franklin Avenue under a Level 1 Mobilization.
When officers arrived, they were met with a grim tableau: 37 shell casings littered the lounge’s interior, evidence of the ferocity of the attack. A discarded firearm was found at a nearby intersection, hinting at the chaos that had spilled beyond the venue’s walls. Among the victims were eight men and three women, ranging in age from 27 to 61. Three men—two aged 27 and 35, and one whose age remains undisclosed—tragically lost their lives at the scene. The eight others, battling injuries described as non-life-threatening, were rushed to local hospitals, their fates hanging in the balance as the city grappled with the aftermath.
Investigators believe multiple shooters were involved, a chilling detail that underscores the scale of the violence. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large, leaving authorities and residents alike on edge. The NYPD has launched a full-scale investigation, combing through evidence and witness accounts to piece together the events that led to this eruption of bloodshed. Commissioner Tisch, addressing the city, described the incident as an “anomaly” in a year marked by historically low shooting numbers through July. Yet, for the families and friends of the victims, this statistic offers little solace in the face of such loss.
The Taste of the City Lounge, once a beacon of nightlife and community, now stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of safety in spaces meant for joy. As detectives scour the scene and follow leads, the city holds its breath, hoping for justice and answers. The investigation continues, with the NYPD vowing to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of those responsible for this senseless tragedy.