19-year-old soldier from Georgia killed in July 4 shooting in New York, officials say

A 19-year-old soldier from Georgia was killed in a shooting in New York on July 4, officials said.

Malik Shipman of Fairburn, Georgia, was a private first class with the U.S. Army in Fort Drum, New York, according to a news release from the U.S. Army Fort Drum public affairs office.

He was shot near a park in Syracuse, New York, just before midnight on July 4, according to Syracuse.com

Two cars were hit by gunfire during the shooting, according to the Associated Press. It is not clear whether Shipman was targeted.

Lt. Matthew Malinowski of the Syracuse Police Department did not respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on July 7.

Shipman was a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 642nd Engineer Support Company, according to the Army.

He joined the service in July 2020 and arrived at Fort Drum after he completed training in December of that year. Fort Drum is about 170 miles northwest of Albany and about 84 miles north of Syracuse.

Shipman completed a combat lifesavers course and earned a National Defense Service Medal and an Army Service Ribbon, according to the Army’s release.

An obituary for Shipman could not be found. Shipman’s father did not return a request for comment from McClatchy News sent via Facebook.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with (Private First Class) Shipman’s family and fellow Soldiers,” Lt. Col. Jon-Paul Depreo said in a statement. “Our command is committed to ensuring every resource is available to his family and his fellow teammates during this difficult time. (Private First Class) Shipman’s compassion for his fellow Soldiers will be missed.”

‘Outer Banks’ crew member killed in hit and run in South Carolina, casting company says

‘You left two children to die.’ Two kids killed by California ATV hit-and-run crash

19-year-old killed instantly by fireworks mortar on July 4, Alaska troopers say