Food vendor shot in Times Square altercation, suspect charged with attempted murder

NEW YORK, NY — A 29-year-old food cart worker was shot early Wednesday in Times Square while attempting to assist another vendor during a dispute over stolen food. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and West 47th Street.

The victim, Ayaman Gzale, suffered a gunshot wound to his right arm and was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he is expected to recover from his injuries.

According to police, the altercation began when a group of young individuals became involved in a verbal argument with food vendors. Eyewitnesses reported that the conflict escalated after some attempted to steal money. Video footage captured by bystanders shows the chaotic scene just before the shots were fired.

One witness, Wagih Nasr, described the situation, saying, “They were trying to steal the money, they were trying to grab money from the guys. And this is a bad thing.” Gzale was reportedly trying to help a fellow vendor when he was shot.

Shortly after the shooting, police apprehended three individuals at a nearby subway station. Emanuel Charles, 21, has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder in the second degree, along with first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon.

As Charles was escorted from the precinct, he claimed his actions were in “self-defense.” NYPD Chief of Department John Chell expressed concern over the violence in such a heavily trafficked area, stating, “There are tourists there 24 hours, so it is a concern.”

Many vendors in the area expressed fear and concern after the incident. Mohammad Fathi, Gzale’s boss, commented, “It’s not safe like it used to be, it’s not safe in the street. We don’t fight. All we need is just a good life.”

Police continue to investigate the incident, seeking more suspects as the involved group was reported to consist of more than ten individuals.