NEW YORK — Hours before the West Indian Day Parade stepped off Monday, police reported multiple shootings — one of them deadly — near the route for the political see-and-be-seen event, which has been scarred by violence in recent years.
Police said they were taking steps to ensure the parade remains safe this year, including keeping tabs on any gang activity.
A 55-year-old man was shot and killed at 3:30 a.m. in Brooklyn's Crown Heights, according to police. A suspect was in custody; charges were pending.
It was one of several shootings reported in the vicinity before the 11 a.m. parade start, police said. They are still gathering details on the others.
The parade celebrates Caribbean culture and echoes traditional pre-Lenten Carnival festivities, with dancers wearing elaborate, feathered costumes.
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