NEW YORK — An 11-year-old New York City boy missed his 5th grade graduation when he was struck by a stray bullet right after he got a haircut for the big day.
But Monday, weeks after the June 20 shooting in Brooklyn, New Bridges Elementary School brought the graduation to Jayden Grant at Maimonides Medical Center.
“We were just devastated that it would happen to a member of our family, that it would happen to any child, especially in such a joyful moment,” Principal Kevin Bowles said.
A 31-year-old man was also struck when a gunman opened fire on Schenectady Avenue.
“When this happened almost three weeks ago, we didn’t know. We honestly did not know that night whether he was going to make it or not,” Grant’s grandmother, Bessie Watson-Grant, said.
Now it’s not clear if her grandson will ever walk again.
“There’s always hope. So please keep praying for us,” Watson-Grant said.
In addition to family, friends and the school community, the firefighters that helped save Jayden celebrated with the 11-year-old boy. The members of Engine Company 234 heard the gunfire. Their firehouse was just feet away.
“When we noticed that a child was involved, everybody just sprung into action,” firefighter Olando Pitts said.
Bessie Watson-Grant said she is optimistic her grandson will be released from the hospital soon and move to a rehab center.
A GoFundMe is raising funds for the boy’s medical expenses.