Fort Lauderdale, FL – A 14-year-old boy remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot early Thursday morning in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The shooting occurred outside a teen event hosted by a local club on Southwest Third Avenue, an area known for its bustling nightlife.
Fort Lauderdale Police responded to the scene at 1:29 a.m., just hours after Christmas celebrations. According to Detective Ali Adamson, the incident unfolded as a large crowd of young people gathered outside the club. Amid the commotion, an unidentified suspect fired a gun, striking the teenager.
Witnesses described the chaos. “We heard one shot go off,” one attendee said. “At first, I didn’t realize it was a gunshot. People were running all around.”
A bloodied T-shirt was spotted on the sidewalk near where evidence markers had been placed. However, the area has since been cleared as authorities continue their investigation.
The teen was rushed to Broward Health Medical Center, where he is being treated for his injuries. No arrests have been made so far, and police are urging anyone with information about the shooter to come forward.
The incident has sparked concerns among residents and patrons of the area’s nightlife. Many are questioning the safety of hosting late-night events for teens in a district surrounded by bars and nightclubs.
“That’s shocking,” one local said. “Especially for kids under 18. If they’re having events that late at night, it’s just not safe. There shouldn’t be any guns around, period.”
Detectives are actively investigating the shooting. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Fort Lauderdale Police Department or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
As the community processes this unsettling event, questions remain about how to ensure safety for young people attending such gatherings in the future.
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