U.S. Shootings
1 Killed, 6 Injured In Mass Shooting At Park In New York
The Rochester Police said they went to the Maplewood Park, responding the report of a large gathering with shots fired.
Rochester, NY – A tranquil Sunday evening at Maplewood Park in Rochester, New York, was shattered by a mass shooting that left one person dead and six others injured. The incident occurred around 6:20 p.m. as a large gathering was underway in the park, according to local authorities.
Rochester Police responded to reports of gunfire at the park and found multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. The scene was described as chaotic, with a heavy barrage of gunfire causing panic and sending people running for cover. Video footage circulating on social media captures the terrifying moments as shots rang out during the gathering.
Captain Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department provided an update at a press briefing, stating, "At this point, we don’t know how many people were shooting. We are trying to work our way through as many witnesses as we can." He confirmed that one person, a 20-year-old male, was killed in the shooting. Another individual is in critical condition, while five others sustained minor injuries and were taken to local hospitals.
The response to the shooting involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Irondequoit Police, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and New York State Police. Officers arriving at the scene found a large crowd fleeing, complicating efforts to secure the area and provide immediate medical assistance to the victims.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased, pending notification of the family. As of now, no suspects have been taken into custody, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Police are urging anyone with information or video evidence of the incident to come forward. The Rochester Police Department has provided several contact points, including 911, 311, and Crime Stoppers, to facilitate the collection of tips and evidence.
The shooting at Maplewood Park is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Rochester. Earlier on Sunday, police responded to a separate shooting near Sherman Street and Lyell Avenue, where a man in his 30s was found with multiple gunshot wounds and later died at the hospital. Additionally, a fatal stabbing occurred on Friday night at a corner store on North Street, resulting in the death of 38-year-old Christopher Austin. These incidents have heightened concerns about public safety and the prevalence of violent crime in the community.
Captain Bello emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving these crimes. "We need the public's help to bring those responsible to justice. If you have any information, no matter how small, please reach out to us," he said. The police department is working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and identify those involved.
Local officials and community leaders have expressed their condolences to the victims and their families. They have also called for increased efforts to address the root causes of violence and improve safety in public spaces.
As the investigation continues, the Rochester community is left grappling with the aftermath of yet another tragic event. The mass shooting at Maplewood Park serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to curb gun violence and ensure the safety of all residents.
Law enforcement agencies are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and a return to peace.
The Rochester Police Department has reiterated its commitment to solving this case and preventing future incidents. They encourage anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Unit or utilize the ReportIt app to share tips anonymously.
The tragic events at Maplewood Park underscore the critical importance of community vigilance and cooperation in the fight against violent crime. As Rochester mourns the loss of life and supports those injured, the collective resolve to create a safer environment for all remains stronger than ever.