FOURTEEN people were shot, two of them dead, at a Juneteenth celebration in Texas and the FBI was called in to help search for the shooter.
The violence in Round Rock came just hours after another mass shooting in Michigan, where nine victims, including children, were shot in a park.
two
Hundreds of people gathered at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas, on Saturday night to celebrate Juneteenth, but the joyous occasion ended in tragedy.
Round Rock police confirmed that a shooting occurred Saturday night during the celebration just before 11 p.m.
Witnesses say the shooting began after two groups began fighting near the vendor’s area, according to the local ABC affiliate. KVUE-TV.
During the big fight, someone pulled out a gun and started shooting.
But no one hit by the gunfire took part in the confrontation, according to police.
Among those injured by the gunfire, there are an unconfirmed number of children, aged between 10 and 62 years.
Following the shooting, both groups fled the area and first responders on scene sprung into action.
Police and firefighters at the festival applied tourniquets and performed CPR on several people injured by gunshots, including children.
Police are still actively searching for the shooter, described as a black man they believe to be in his 20s, with a thin build, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, with short dreadlocks.
He was wearing a white hoodie at the time of the shooting, deputies said.
Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said the identities of those killed and injured will not be revealed until a later date.
“It’s a shame that we were here celebrating a wonderful event and we had a tragedy happen,” Banks said.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims. My condolences go out to the families of the deceased.”
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan said he knows “residents are devastated when they wake up to the terrible news.”
“To the families mourning the loss of loved ones, please know that our entire community is grieving with you,” he said.
“For those who were injured, we are here to support you in your recovery,” he continued.
The mayor said he believes Round Rock is a community that values safety, celebration and unity, and assures his constituents that he and his office are committed to ensuring everyone heals from this tragedy together.
“We will not let this incident define us, nor will we let fear take over. Instead, we will support each other, offer help where needed, and remain united in our determination to make Round Rock a safe and welcoming place for everyone. “
The FBI also confirmed it is assisting Round Rock police with the investigation.
Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information about the tragedy, or the whereabouts or identity of the shooter, who comes forward and contacts Detective Maio at 512-341-3135 or by email rmaio@roundrocktexas.gov.
EPIDEMIC IN AMERICA
Since this Saturday night shooting, seven more mass shootings have occurred across the country, with five of them happening shortly afterward on the same day before midnight, according to Gun Violence Archive.
So far this year, there have been 227 mass shootings in the first six months of 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Just hours before this shooting on Saturday, another shooting in Michigan saw nine people hit by gunfire, including an 8-year-old boy in critical condition with a bullet to the head, and a 4-year-old child shot in the thigh after a gunman opened fire on families. random in a public park.
This morning, seven people were also shot in Massachusetts, with two remaining in critical condition.
The victims’ ages range from late teens to 23 years old.
In America, gun violence is responsible for more than 8% of deaths among citizens under the age of 20, according to Health dataan independent health research organization based at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
The United States has the 28th highest rate of gun violence in the world, 26 times higher than other first world countries.
Every day, more than 120 people are shot and killed in America, according to Every Town Research.
More to follow… For the latest on this story, come back often to The US Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping photos and must-see attractions. videos
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUSA and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheUSSun
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
