BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Two Brooklyn men have been indicted on attempted murder charges in connection with a July Fourth mass shooting that wounded eight members of a family, including four children, at a crowded Coney Island barbecue, prosecutors announced.
Robert Smith and Kevin Blunt, both 44 and from Coney Island, were charged together in an 88-count indictment stemming from the July 4 shooting. Prosecutors allege Smith fired approximately 15 shots into the gathering after Blunt helped him clear an apparent jam in the gun.
Four boys, ages 6, 7, 12 and 14, and four adults, ages 21, 25, 33 and 37, were struck by gunfire. Sky, a 10-week-old puppy belonging to the 6-year-old victim, was shot in the head and killed, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
Key Points
- Robert Smith and Kevin Blunt face an 88-count indictment that includes first- and second-degree attempted murder charges.
- Eight people, including four children, were wounded during the July 4 shooting at a Coney Island family barbecue.
- Prosecutors allege Smith fired approximately 15 shots after Blunt helped clear an apparent jam in the firearm.
Prosecutors Detail July Fourth Shooting at Coney Island Barbecue
Approximately 50 people were gathered for a family barbecue in the courtyard of a residential building near Surf Avenue and West 30th Street when Smith and Blunt allegedly approached at about 10:30 p.m., according to prosecutors.
The district attorney’s office alleges Smith attempted to fire into the gathering, but the gun appeared to jam. Blunt allegedly helped clear the weapon before Smith fired approximately 15 rounds into the crowd.
“These defendants are allegedly responsible for unleashing a barrage of gunfire into a courtyard packed with families celebrating the Fourth of July, striking eight people—including four children—and killing a six-year-old boy’s puppy,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.
The 21-year-old woman who was shot was initially listed in critical condition, prosecutors said. The remaining seven victims were reported in stable condition.
The youngest victim’s 10-week-old puppy, Sky, was struck in the head and killed during the shooting.
Surveillance Footage Allegedly Captured Attack
Investigators said surveillance footage captured the shooting along with the defendants’ alleged actions before, during and after the gunfire.
Smith was apprehended July 8 by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force within the NYPD’s 60th Precinct, according to prosecutors. Blunt was later apprehended by the same task force within the 84th Precinct.
“The fact that no person was killed is extraordinary, but it does not diminish the alleged recklessness and brutality of this attack,” Gonzalez said.
The investigation also involved detectives from the Brooklyn South Video Team and the 60th Precinct Detective Squad.
Both Men Ordered Held Without Bail
Smith and Blunt are charged with first- and second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, first- and second-degree criminal use of a firearm and second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
They also face charges of first-degree attempted assault, first-degree reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.
Smith was arraigned Aug. 12 before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and ordered held without bail. His next court appearance was scheduled for Oct. 14.
Blunt was arraigned Aug. 3 before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Warin and was also ordered held without bail. His next court appearance was scheduled for Aug. 19 at the time prosecutors issued the announcement.
The charges are allegations. Smith and Blunt are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Why were Robert Smith and Kevin Blunt indicted?
Prosecutors allege the two men were responsible for a July 4 mass shooting at a Coney Island family barbecue that wounded eight people, including four children.
What does the 88-count indictment charge?
The indictment includes attempted murder, assault, firearm and weapons offenses, attempted assault, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.
What happened to the puppy during the Coney Island shooting?
Prosecutors said Sky, a 10-week-old puppy belonging to the 6-year-old shooting victim, was struck in the head by gunfire and killed.
Two Brooklyn men face 88 counts in a July 4 Coney Island mass shooting that wounded eight people, including four children, and killed a puppy.
Sources: Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office press release, Aug. 12, 2026; indictment and investigation details released by prosecutors.
