13-year-old in critical condition after Queens Dunkin’ Donuts shooting

A 13-year-old boy remained in critical condition Monday after being shot in the head outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens, police said. The shooting occurred around 8:20 a.m. in front of the store at the corner of Linden Boulevard and Springfield Boulevard in Cambria Heights, authorities said. First responders rushed the teenager to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition by late morning.

The gunman fled the scene on foot, described by police as a man wearing a white hoodie, white sneakers and carrying a black backpack. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and canvassing the area for witnesses, but officials did not immediately release a motive for the attack. There was no immediate information on possible accomplices or a vehicle, and police asked anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

First responders rushed the teen to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition by late morning, according to law enforcement officials. Police said hospital staff were stabilizing the boy and monitoring his condition as investigators gathered evidence from the scene.

Cops could not immediately confirm whether the boy was headed to school at the time of the shooting, but the location is near several schools, including P.S./M.S. 147 Ronald McNair, Benjamin Franklin High School and P.S. 176 Cambria Heights. The proximity to schools has prompted investigators to consider whether others nearby may have witnessed the incident or heard sounds of gunfire before the arrival of emergency responders.

Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive or any persons of interest, and the investigation remains active. The NYPD has asked anyone with information to contact investigators, stressing that even small details can help as officers review surveillance footage and interview neighbors and potential witnesses who were in the area at the time.

The shooting, which occurred outside a busy Dunkin’ Donuts in a residential-leaning portion of Queens, underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence in New York City and the risks faced by children and commuters in public spaces near schools. Police and city officials have repeatedly urged vigilance and cooperation from the public as detectives follow multiple leads and work to establish a timeline of events.

As investigators continue to piece together what happened, school administrators in the Cambria Heights area have been alerted to monitor for any safety concerns and to reinforce safety protocols for students in the vicinity. Officials cautioned that information could evolve as evidence is collected and witnesses are interviewed.

Further updates are expected from the NYPD as the investigation progresses and investigators determine how the gunman approached the scene, why the attack occurred, and whether there are other individuals connected to the incident.