A 37-year-old bodega worker was fatally shot in Brooklyn on Monday after refusing to give a man a free cigar, according to the victim's mother. The New York Police Department reported that the victim, Nazim Berry, was shot in the head around 4:15 p.m. on Franklin Avenue near the Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Museum.
Berry was taken to Kings County Hospital Center, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect responsible for the shooting fled the scene and no arrests have yet been made.
According to Berry's mother, the altercation began when a man asked her son to buy him a Black & Mild cigar. When Berry refused, an argument ensued between the two. She stated that the attackers were unable to accept a simple 'no' from her son.
"So from what I hear, they went and got a gun and came back," she said. "And when the guy went to draw the gun, Nazim saw it and they had a tussle over it." She further added, "And you know, when you bend down you're tussling and the guy pointed the gun right to the side of his head and shot him."
Berry had been working at the neighborhood bodega for several years, as per his mother. He lived in the area with his grandmother and was never involved in any trouble. She stated that she knew the incident was senseless; it had to be over something insignificant as she knew her son's kind-hearted nature. According to the victim's mother, Berry had previously expressed his frustration with people constantly asking for free items at the bodega.
The shooting has left the community in shock, and many are struggling to come to terms with the senseless act of violence. The neighborhood bodega, where Berry worked, has become a memorial site, with people leaving flowers and candles to pay their respects.
In an interview with a local news channel, Berry's cousins described him as a "family man" who was always willing to help others. They urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and speak to the authorities.
The police are currently investigating the shooting and are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information to contact them. A spokesperson for the NYPD stated that they are working diligently to identify and apprehend the suspect responsible for this tragic incident.
This shooting is just one of many that have occurred in New York City in recent weeks, sparking concerns about the rise in gun violence. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea have both acknowledged the increase in shootings and have pledged to work towards addressing the issue. However, many are calling for immediate action to be taken to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
Meanwhile, Berry's family and friends are left to grieve the loss of their loved one. They have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the funeral expenses and are asking for the community's support during this difficult time. As they try to come to terms with their loss, they are also calling for justice for Berry and are pleading for an end to gun violence in their community. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the community is hopeful that the perpetrator will be brought to justice soon.