Even before the Annual West Indian Day Parade began, the expected violence struck once again this year, claiming one life and seriously injuring four others.

The “j’ouvert” celebration, which actually starts the night before the parade, erupted in violence as a 24 year old man was stabbed to death near the parade’s start at Grand Army Plaza at approximately 2 AM.

One of the injured was 43 year old Carey Gabay, Governor Cuomo’s first deputy counsel for Empire State Development, who was shot in the head while ducking behind a car attempting to dodge bullets. It has been reported that Gabay, his pregnant wife and brother were caught in the crossfire of rival gangs. He is currently in critical condition in Kings County Hospital.

NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito tweeted the attorney, wishing him a speedy recovery and the urgency for ending gun violence.