By Emma Colton
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/emma-colton
Nearly 50 people were shot over a 72-hour span in New York City this weekend.
Between Thursday and Saturday, 49 people were shot in the largest city in the United States, as the uptick in gun violence continues this summer, according to the Gothamist.
The number of those shot over the three days is five times more than the eight who were shot during the same days last year. At least six people were killed by gunshot wounds over the 72 hours, compared to three homicides that took place during the same time last year.
There have been 1,087 shooting victims so far this year in 888 different incidents throughout the city. Last year at this time, there had been 577 shooting victims in 488 incidents in New York City, according to the Gothamist.
Among those who died was an off-duty corrections officer who worked at Rikers Island. John Jeff, 28, had just left a party in Queens at 3 a.m. on Saturday morning when he was shot in the head and chest.
"Early this morning, the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association was notified that New York City Correction Officer John Jeff, assigned to the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island, was found dead in South Jamaica Queens. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was 28 years old and was on the job for just over two years with his whole life and career ahead of him. He was well-liked and highly regarded by his fellow officers,” Correction Officers Benevolent Association President Benny Boscio Jr. said in a statement.
Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots outside their homes, and sources told ABC 7 the killing appeared to be planned.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/this-is-a-tragedy-forty-nine-people-shot-over-72-hours-in-new-york-city