BTN News: Last year in Round Rock, Texas, a Juneteenth celebration was marred by a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of two victims and left six others injured, including two young children. It happened shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday at Old Settlers Park in a suburb just north of Austin, where a celebratory atmosphere devolved into chaos and horror.
Incident Overview
The shots occurred during a concert at the Juneteenth event in an area primarily away from the main stage inside the confines of the larger festival and vendor area. The dispute simmered and gunfire erupted, leading to deaths and serious injuries on the spot. At a press conference in Round Rock, Police Chief Allen Banks said the two deceased men were not part of the original argument.
Common in an Emergency Substrate for Bright Response and Quick Care
Cheektowaga police officers and fire department personnel already working the show were quick to respond to the shooting. They cared for the critical emergency medical needs of the victims before they were transported to hospitals. Six people were rushed to local trauma centers with possible serious injuries, including four adults and two children, according to a post on X by Austin-Travis County EMS.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not apprehended any suspects and do not know how many people fired shots on Sunday. KXXV, in an a proposed Saturday editorial, Banks said, “You just hate to see a family that thought they were coming out here to have a good time and now their life is going to be forever changed just due to somebody who needs to realize how it feels for him, may have go on in their life that caused them to come out here in the first place.”
Community Impact
The incident overshadowed Juneteenth festivities as a somber crowd gathered for the event celebrating the freeing of African American slaves. Families are mourning and a community is in shock after the deadly shooting that broke out on a day when people celebrate time together and remember those they have lost.
Call for Witnesses
Police are asking anyone with more information on the shooting to contact them. A family member recently told The Tribune that the police department is seeking leads to solve the cases and potentially offer closure to the families.
The tragedy demonstrates the urgency of a communal alertness and effort to stand together to address and prevent such systemic violence. As Round Rock continues to navigate this tragedy, the hearts of the City are committed to grieving with the victims and their families, and providing a safe and secure experience for future community events.
