April 21, 2026 · Updated April 21, 2026
A 15-year-old was killed and two others critically injured in a gang-related shooting at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.
A 15-year-old boy was killed and two men were critically injured in a shooting at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Wednesday evening, in what Nassau County police are calling a gang-related incident that has shaken one of Long Island's most popular public spaces.
The shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. near Field 2, close to the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue. According to the Nassau County Police Department, a large gathering — described as a "BBQ" — had been promoted on social media and was designed to attract members of the Bloods street gang.
When attendees arrived, an argument broke out between two individuals. Shots were fired, striking three people. The 15-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men, ages 28 and 31, were rushed to a nearby hospital where they remain in critical condition.
A 17-year-old suspect has been taken into custody and charged as a juvenile in connection with the shooting. Law enforcement sources indicate the teen is being investigated as the shooter. The investigation remains active, and police have not ruled out additional arrests.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman called the incident "a tragic reminder that gang violence can happen anywhere," and pledged increased patrols at county parks in the coming weeks.
Eisenhower Park, which spans nearly 930 acres in East Meadow, is one of the largest public parks on Long Island and hosts everything from youth sports leagues to concerts. Residents have expressed shock that such violence could occur in a family-friendly setting.
"I bring my kids here every weekend," said one East Meadow parent at a vigil held Thursday afternoon. "You never think something like this could happen where your children play."
Local officials are calling for stronger social media monitoring tools to identify and disrupt gang recruitment events before they escalate. Nassau County police have also increased their staffing commitments in the wake of recent personnel changes within the department.
The shooting comes amid a broader conversation about public safety initiatives in Nassau County and whether current resources are sufficient to address gang activity in suburban communities. While violent crime on Long Island remains lower than in neighboring boroughs, high-profile incidents like this one draw scrutiny to enforcement gaps.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
