Just before 8 p.m., dozens of people were gathered in the 4500 block of Akron Street for a Fourth of July block party when two people began opening fire.
Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) officials said they believe the two suspects were trying to fire at someone, but ended up striking three people in the exchange.
Two of the people hurt were adults with non-life-threatening injuries. The third was a young child, who was sent to the hospital in critical condition.
Organizers said they’ve been hosting the block party for almost a decade and have never had something like this happen before. Now, they are contemplating whether to host future Fourth of July events.
Discarded fireworks lay on the road after the shooting. Detectives were at the scene on the night of the Fourth of July to investigate. (Justin Riebman/DC News Now)
One neighbor, Lamont Culbert, said he wasn’t initially sure whether he was hearing the sound of gunfire.
“I thought they were fireworks until I saw everybody start running,” he said.
In a press conference hosted late Thursday night, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and PGPD Chief Malik Aziz urged anyone with information to come forward.
“The people of this community were here tonight celebrating with each other, having a barbecue, doing exactly what they should be able to do – what they have a right to do in their community – when someone brought a gun,” Alsobrooks said. “[…] And it resulted in a minor child who is very seriously injured tonight and it is unacceptable.”
Aziz said he was not able to confirm the age of the child hurt, but said they were very young, most likely around elementary age.
In a statement issued Friday morning, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said, in part:
We will not rest until justice is served. Let me be clear: any individuals found to be involved in this shooting will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We will pursue every avenue within our discretion to ensure that those responsible for this violence, face the consequences of their actions.
This must stop. These senseless acts of violence have no place in our community, and we cannot and will not tolerate it any longer. Our children deserve to grow up in a safe environment, free from the fear of violence. Our families deserve to gather in peace and joy, not in the face of such grievous harm. We are calling on the community to stand together with us.
Aisha Braveboy, Shate’s Attorney for Prince George’s County
As of early Friday morning, PGPD had no information regarding suspects or a possible motive for Thursday night’s shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers or Prince George’s County Major Crimes Division at (301) 356-2512.
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