2 dead, multiple injured in shooting at Texas Juneteenth celebration: police

ROUND ROCK, Texas ( KXAN ) — Two people are dead and multiple others were injured after a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Texas.

Police in Round Rock, a city located less than 20 miles north of Austin, said the shooting began just before 11 p.m. at Old Settlers Park after a fight broke out between two groups of people who were at the Juneteenth event.

“We’re very disappointed and angry with these events. This is the 16th year of this Juneteenth event, and for someone to destroy the peace and celebration within an instance, it angers me,” Police Chief Allen Banks said during a media briefing.

Police believe the shooting suspect is “armed and dangerous” and warned the public not to approach him if spotted. Banks described him as a thin-built man with short dreads who’s 5 feet 7 inches tall and around 19 to 20 years old. He was last seen wearing a white hoodie.

“Turn yourself in,” the police chief said in a message to the suspect. “If you’re man enough to carry a gun and pull the trigger, be man enough to step up. Turn yourself in. Let’s figure out why you chose to take lives and injure people.”

Banks said he plans to release the names of the two who were killed in the shooting on Monday.

“My thoughts and my prayers go out to the victims,” he said. “My condolences go out to the families of the deceased.”

Banks shared that officers and members of the Round Rock Fire Department who were at the event immediately tried to help the victims of the shooting.

Most of the wounded victims have since been released from area hospitals, Banks said. The remaining victims are stable and should be released “within the next day or so,” he added. The victims’ ages range from 10 to 62 years old.

Watch the briefing from RRPD Chief Allen Banks :

Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan released the following statement: “I know Round Rock residents are devastated as they wake up to the terrible news of last night’s tragic events. To the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones, please know that our entire community mourns with you. To those who were injured, we are here to support you in your recovery.”

“We are a community that values safety, celebration and unity, and we are committed to ensuring that our community heals through this event together. We will not let this incident define us, nor will we let fear take hold. Instead, we will support each other, offer help where it is needed, and remain united in our resolve to make Round Rock a safe and welcoming place for all,” the statement continued.

Anyone with video or information about the incident is asked to reach out to the Round Rock Police Department at 512-218-5500.

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