A 47-year-old man was tragically shot in the head late Wednesday night at the Rockaway Avenue subway station in Brooklyn, according to police reports. The victim, identified as Freddie Weston, was on the mezzanine level around 11:15 p.m. when the incident occurred. A booth attendant heard the gunfire and found Weston, who was subsequently taken to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.
This shooting adds to a troubling pattern of violent incidents at the Rockaway Avenue station, located in the Ocean Hill neighborhood. Just last week, a 76-year-old man was assaulted by a group of teenage girls on the platform, and earlier this year, a subway conductor was slashed while on duty.
While fatal shootings in New York City’s subway system are uncommon, there have been at least three deadly shootings and one fatal stabbing in the subway so far this year.
In response to growing concerns about subway safety, Governor Kathy Hochul deployed hundreds of National Guard troops and State Police officers to patrol the transit system and conduct bag checks. Additionally, Mayor Eric Adams announced the introduction of gun-detecting scanners in subway stations to enhance rider safety.
Michelle Mitchell, a neighbor of Weston, described him as a kind individual seeking a fresh start. She noted that he had recently begun a new job at a grocery store in Queens, an opportunity he was excited about. “He was so happy to get that job,” Mitchell said. “That was his start.”
Mitchell often saw Weston enjoying walks with his girlfriend and their small, brightly dyed dog. She expressed her sorrow upon learning of his death, stating, “He’s such a good dude; he didn’t deserve this. I just hope they catch the person who did this.”
On Thursday, police maintained a presence at the Rockaway Avenue station, with officers monitoring the area and ensuring safety for commuters. Data from the NYPD indicates that the 73rd Precinct, which includes Brownsville and Ocean Hill, has seen a 40.6 percent increase in shootings this year, totaling 45 incidents. Murders in the precinct have more than doubled compared to the same period last year, although felony assaults have decreased by about 7 percent.