Shooting Near Beach With Thousands Present Sparks Change: Officials

LONG BEACH, NY — In the wake of a shooting near the Long Beach boardwalk, police announced measures to prevent unlawful gatherings.

"Long Beach is a safe city and we plan on keeping it that way," said Long Beach City Council President Brendan Finn. "What we witnessed yesterday and what our citizens endured is unacceptable."

With as many as 3,000 people at the beach on Thursday evening, a 16-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen as they approached the LIRR station. He was taken to an area hospital, where he is recovering from the wound, police said.

Two people were taken into custody. A 15-year-old boy was charged with first-degree attempted assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal use of a firearm, second-degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine, police said.

Long Beach police said, effectively immediately, beach passes will now be required seven days a week to access the beach. Passes were previously only required on weekends and holidays until June 27.

Outside of permitted events, the beach will now be closed from dusk until dawn.

The city manager was given the authority to close any portion of the beach or boardwalk at his discretion.

"Unpermitted gatherings of groups larger than 100 people is illegal and punishable not just by imprisonment, but the organizers will be held responsible for the city’s cost to police, disperse and clean up any such event," City Manager Daniel Creighton. "I promise you, those costs are substantial."