A shooting at a Brooklyn restaurant left three people dead and eight others injured early Sunday morning, authorities confirmed.

The attack occurred just before 3:30 a.m. at the Taste of the City Lounge on Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights, as the establishment was preparing to close. According to New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch, “multiple gunmen” opened fire inside the restaurant, causing chaos among patrons.

The victims were identified as two men, aged 27 and 35, along with another man whose age has yet to be determined. Eight other individuals, ranging in age from 27 to 61, were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police confirmed the group of victims included eight men and three women, though no further details on their conditions have been released.

Investigators recovered at least 36 shell casings from the scene, indicating that multiple firearms were used in the shooting. The suspects remain at large.

“This year, New York City has recorded the lowest number of gun violence incidents and victims in the first seven months,” Commissioner Tisch said at a press briefing. “Such an incident, thank God, is an exception – but it is nevertheless a horrific event that unfolded this morning.”

An investigation has been launched to determine the motive and to track down the shooters. (ILKHA)