One of the founders of the "Bed-Stuy Aquarium" has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for shooting a man during an argument last year.

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office says the incident occurred in June 2023, outside a bar adjacent to the aquarium. The DA's office says Hajj Lovick got into an argument, pulled a knife on the victim, left the bar, and later returned to shoot the man twice in the leg.

Residents expressed shock over his sentencing.

RELATED: Bed-Stuy aquarium missing fish due to cold temperatures

“I knew Hajj. He was very nice,” said Emma Skoler, a Bed-Stuy resident. “One day, when a woman said she was going to attack me, Hajj jumped out of his car and defended me. It’s really sad — I’ve been wondering where he’s been.”

Lovick was convicted of attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, among other charges.

The victim survived the incident.

The Bed-Stuy Aquarium, which opened last summer, became a symbol of community, which some say is now slightly tainted due to the incident.