Full Breakdown
Two Men Shot Inside Brooklyn Deli: Investigation Underway
1/10/2026, 12:24:04 PM
Incident Overview
On Friday afternoon, January 6, 2026, two men were shot inside Alex Deli & Grocery located at 1256 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The shooting occurred around 3:47 p.m., resulting in a 24-year-old man being shot in the face and a 26-year-old man struck in the back. Both victims were transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County and are reported to be in stable condition. The gunman, described as a man wearing a black puffer jacket, a ski mask, ripped navy jeans, and black and white sneakers, fled the scene heading westbound on Newkirk Avenue. As of now, no arrests have been made, and police have not determined a motive for the shooting.
Community Response
The United Bodegas Association (UBA) has condemned the violence and highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by bodega owners and workers. In response to the incident, the UBA is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the shooter. Fernando Mateo, a spokesperson for the UBA, emphasized the need for enhanced security measures, stating, “We need funding for panic buttons and real security measures. Our members cannot do this alone. The City and the State must step up to protect the men and women who own and operate these bodegas.” Radhamés Rodriguez, president of the UBA, echoed these sentiments, noting that the shooting exemplifies the vulnerabilities of bodega workers.
Official Statements & Responses
The NYPD is actively investigating the shooting, but details surrounding the events leading up to the incident remain unclear. The UBA's call for increased security funding reflects broader concerns about safety in the community. Mateo's remarks indicate a pressing need for governmental support to ensure the safety of bodega operators, with over 500 bodegas in the area requiring protection.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the current safety measures argue that the lack of resources for bodega security is a systemic issue that needs urgent attention. The UBA's statements highlight a growing frustration among bodega owners regarding their safety and the perceived inadequacy of city and state responses to violent incidents.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the NYPD has confirmed the details of the shooting, there is no consensus on the motive behind the attack. Additionally, the identities of the victims and their roles—whether employees or customers—remain unspecified in the reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is yet another example of how vulnerable our bodega workers are.” — Radhamés Rodriguez, President, United Bodegas Association
- “We need funding for panic buttons and real security measures. Our members cannot do this alone. The City and the State must step up to protect the men and women who own and operate these bodegas.” — Fernando Mateo, Spokesperson, United Bodegas Association
The investigation into the shooting continues as authorities seek to apprehend the suspect and address the safety concerns raised by the community.
