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Two people are dead and 14 others were injured after a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Texas. Police in Round Rock, TX (located less than 20 miles north of Austin), said that the incident took place on Saturday night when a fight broke out between two groups at the Old Settlers Park at about 11 p.m. local time. Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said early Sunday that at the same time, someone produced a gun and began to fire, adding that multiple people were struck by gunfire.
Police Chief Banks said during a media briefing: “We’re very disappointed and angry with these events. This is the 16th year of this Juneteenth event, and for someone to destroy the peace and celebration within an instance, it angers me.” Most of the wounded victims have since been released from area hospitals with the remaining victims listed in stable condition and should be released “within the next day or so”. The victims’ ages range from 10 to 62 years old.
Police have asked for the public’s help in locating a suspect in connection with the shooting during a Juneteenth celebration that left two dead and 14 others injured, adding that the suspect is “armed and dangerous” and warned the public not to approach him if spotted. Police said Sunday night in a post on X that they are looking for a suspect with a “thin build, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, short dreadlocks, and wearing a white hoodie at the time of the incident.”
Banks said in a message to the suspect: “Turn yourself in. If you’re man enough to carry a gun and pull the trigger, be man enough to step up. Turn yourself in. Let’s figure out why you chose to take lives and injure people.” Banks said he plans to release the names of the two who were killed in the shooting on Monday: “My thoughts and my prayers go out to the victims. My condolences go out to the families of the deceased.”
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan released the following statement: “I know Round Rock residents are devastated as they wake up to the terrible news of last night’s tragic events. To the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones, please know that our entire community mourns with you. To those who were injured, we are here to support you in your recovery. We are a community that values safety, celebration and unity, and we are committed to ensuring that our community heals through this event together. We will not let this incident define us, nor will we let fear take hold. Instead, we will support each other, offer help where it is needed, and remain united in our resolve to make Round Rock a safe and welcoming place for all.”
Anyone with video or information about the incident is asked to reach out to the Round Rock Police Department at 512-218-5500.
Editorial credit: LucindaHamiltonPhoto / Shutterstock.com
