Man shot dead as argument erupts at deli in NYC’s Alphabet City

A tragic incident unfolded late Saturday night outside a deli in Manhattan, resulting in one man being shot dead and another sustaining injuries. The shooting took place at the intersection of Avenue B and East 13th Street in Alphabet City around 11:38 p.m., with both victims, aged 28, being struck in the abdomen.

According to witnesses, the gunfire followed a heated argument that originated inside a nearby deli and escalated onto the street. An employee from Pop’s Pizza, located in the vicinity, recalled hearing the sound of gunshots while preparing pizza. The aftermath saw one of the victims staggering up the block, clutching his abdomen before collapsing on a bench outside the store.

Emmad El-Hassil, a worker at a deli nearby, identified one of the victims as his cousin Abdul, who was also employed at a deli in the area. Learning of the news, El-Hassil shared how residents from the neighborhood rushed into his store, frantically informing him about Abdul’s involvement in the shooting. Abdul had recently returned from a trip to Yemen, where he had been visiting family, and had resumed work just that day.

Both victims were swiftly transported to Bellevue Hospital by EMS, where one was pronounced dead, while the other remains in stable condition. The identity of the deceased victim, whether it was Abdul or the other man, has not been disclosed. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The community is left shaken by this senseless act of violence, as they grapple with the loss of one life and the injuries sustained by another. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring public safety and addressing the prevalence of gun violence in urban environments.