Photo by Michael Förtsch on Unsplash
A homecoming weekend celebration in Vienna, Georgia, turned deadly after gunfire erupted early Sunday morning, leaving two people dead and 35 others injured.
More than 1,000 people had gathered for the block party when more than 50 shots were fired at multiple locations, according to authorities. The shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. in Dooly County.
The gathering took place during Dooly County High School’s homecoming weekend. However, school officials said the block party was not an official school event.
Two people were killed
Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy identified the two people killed as 21-year-old Jaquevion Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old McCaleb Jackson of Hawkinsville.
Both men died from gunshot wounds at the scene. Their deaths came as the large crowd scattered after the shooting began.
Dozens were injured
Authorities said 35 people were injured during the shooting. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 51.
Some victims suffered gunshot wounds, although investigators have not yet confirmed how many of the 35 people were shot. Others were injured while trying to escape the chaos.
The injured victims were taken to several regional hospitals. Officials said some remained in critical condition while others were stable.
More than 50 shots were fired
Investigators say gunfire erupted at at least two locations about a block apart.
Deputies were already monitoring the large gathering when the first shots rang out. Additional gunfire followed at another location nearby.
The shooting sent people running in different directions as they tried to get away from the violence.
Investigation continues
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office with the case.
As of Monday, authorities had not announced any arrests or identified a motive for the shooting. Investigators are still working to determine what led to the gunfire and who was responsible.
The tragedy has also raised concerns in the small Georgia community because of the size of the crowd and the number of people injured.
Dooly County schools planned to reopen Monday with additional safety measures following the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify suspects and determine exactly what happened.
Source: Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM / Georgia Bureau of Investigation / Associated Press
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