Two people were killed and at least six others, including two children, were injured during a shooting that took place at the Round Rock Juneteenth Celebration in Texas Saturday (June 15) evening, the Round Rock Police Department confirmed in a post shared on its X account Sunday (June 16) morning.
The incident stemmed from a fight between two groups that broke out at around 10:50 p.m.
“During that altercation, someone produced a gun and began to fire,” Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said. “Multiple victims were hit.”
The two victims killed weren't involved in the fight and pronounced dead at the scene. Banks confirmed that the department didn't "have a suspect in custody," noting that the suspects involved in the shooting had fled the scene.
The department didn't include a description of any potential suspect(s) involved in the fatal shooting. Four adults and two children were transported to nearby hospitals due to "potentially serious injuries," the Austin-Travis County EMS confirmed in a post shared on its X account.
“I would like to thank the police officers and fire department for their quick response. I have no doubt that their actions of rendering aid to the victims saved lives,” Banks said during a news briefing shared by KVUE. “It is unfortunate that we are here celebrating a wonderful event and we have a tragedy that happens.”
The Round Rock Juneteenth Celebration honors Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.
“Having an event where we are celebrating such an occasion as Juneteenth, and to come together as a community is a terrific monumental event for us, but then when you have it marred by senseless tragedy, it just breaks your heart,” Banks said.