Posted on: January 08, 2025 08:47 AM

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Queens mass shooting victim speaks about terrifying ordeal

One of the individuals affected by the mass shooting that occurred outside a nightclub in Queens on New Year's Day is speaking exclusively to Eyewitness News about her harrowing experience.

The event took place during a gathering meant to commemorate the life of a 16-year-old who was killed last October.

Things escalated quickly into chaos when a group began firing at the attendees, injuring 10 people.

Anthonisha Cherestal spoke solely with Eyewitness News reporter Phil Taitt from her hospital room in Jamaica, Queens.

"I glanced at my leg, and it was enormous," she recounted.

For Anthonisha, this marks a painful reminder of a painful start to 2025.

The Howard University freshman recounted the moment she discovered she had been shot in both legs.

"As I was trying to run, gaining my speed, it was a sensation I can't quite describe," she explained. "It was burning, it was chilly, it was like stabbing, pulsating."

Cherestal was among several individuals caught in the crossfire while waiting to enter the Amazura nightclub.

"I was thinking it was fireworks," she shared. "It wasn’t until I felt the impact that I saw people fleeing... I realized, 'This is real!'"

Authorities report that four gunmen who are still on the loose fired at least 30 rounds into the crowd, hitting 10 teenagers.

Aerial footage captured the chaotic moments as many sought shelter.

"I dashed behind cover, and there was a girl lying there," Anthonisha said. "And she was down. I said, 'You got hit, too.' We both got shot."

"She FaceTimed me," Anthonisha's mother recounted.

 

It was a call Anne Tallegrand never anticipated. Her daughter told her, "Don’t be upset, something bad happened at the party, and I’ve been shot."

"She was saying that no one was coming to help her," Tallegrand said. "I told her, 'Hang up, call 911!'"

A long recovery journey has begun.

Anthonisha is currently unable to walk and has metal rods in her legs. Yet, she maintains a sense of hope.

"It could have been far worse, and I am truly thankful," she stated. "This could have taken a different turn."

By her mother’s side is a passionate advocate for gun violence prevention, NYC Councilmember Farah Louis.

Louis is a relative of the family and asserts that the city’s long-standing issue of gun violence must be addressed.

As for 18-year-old Anthonisha, she is eager to return to her studies.

"I will use this experience to motivate me," she expressed. "This will not hold me back. I feel empowered. I’m ready to move forward."

All ten victims from the New Year's Day shooting are anticipated to fully recover.

Investigators are still actively pursuing leads to apprehend the gunmen.