Gunfire cracked the afternoon calm outside the All Muslims Center at 104 West 168th Street in Highbridge on Friday, sending neighbors rushing onto the sidewalks and drawing a heavy NYPD response. Officers arrived at the busy residential block at around 2:20 p.m., as witnesses described crime-scene tape going up while investigators searched the area.
Police response and custody
According to News12 New York, officers were on scene at about 2:20 p.m. Friday, and Citizen app footage shows crime-scene tape blocking the road in front of the All Muslims Center. The outlet reported that two people of interest were taken into custody while investigators collected evidence.
Scene, damage and mosque connection
News12 New York reported that the NYPD said no one was struck by the gunfire, although a parked car was hit and damaged. Officials said information on whether the mosque itself was connected to the shooting was not immediately available.
About the All Muslims Center
Per the City of New York's Neighborhood Explorer, the All Muslims Center is listed at 104 W. 168th St. in the 10452 ZIP code and is one of several religious facilities serving the Highbridge area. Its spot on a well-trafficked residential stretch means any incident there quickly pulls in neighbors, congregants and first responders alike.
Wider context
Attacks and attempted attacks on houses of worship have made national headlines this year, with reporting pointing to a mix of hate-motivated incidents and others tied to personal disputes, according to The Trace. Against that backdrop, even a shooting with no injuries at a religious site tends to heighten concern among community leaders and civil-rights groups.
Investigation ongoing
Police had not announced formal charges as of Friday evening, and investigators continued to canvass the block and review video. Anyone with information or footage is being asked to contact the NYPD.
