20-Year-Old Tourist Killed In Brooklyn Shooting

BUSHWICK, BROOKLYN — An Indiana University student visiting New York City over the weekend was shot and killed by a stray bullet on the streets of Brooklyn, according to police and reports.

Ethan Williams, 20, was found shot in the chest outside of an apartment building on Eldert Street just after 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, police said.

Williams and his friends had been sitting on the stoop of the apartment, which they had rented as an AirBnb, when the gunfire started, according to the New York Post. They tried to run for cover, but one of the bullets hit Williams.

He was taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

"We understand that police do not believe Ethan was the intended target of the shooter," his family said in a statement. "We ask anyone with information about the shooting to please come forward and assist with the investigation."

Williams and his friends had arrive din Brooklyn the day before and had planned to film skateboarding videos in the borough, friends told the Post.

He was studying film-making at Indiana University, where he was a sophomore.

"He dreamed of visiting New York since he was a boy and saw the movie 'Spiderman,'" his parents said in the statement.

"...If he had the opportunity to say something to the shooter, we know that he would invite him for a cup of coffee and ask to hear their story. He would forgive without delay. Ethan always saw beyond the surface and took the time to help others feel seen, important and loved."

A GoFundMe set up for Williams' family has raised more than $24,000 since it was set up on Sunday. The donations will help the Williams with unexpected expenses connected to Ethan's death, including travel and transportation, the friend said.

"Any assistance would be greatly appreciated," they wrote. "Please consider assisting the family and praying for them."