Panic erupted Saturday evening after a gunman opened fire during a children’s spring festival at Brookdale Park, leaving at least four people dead and ten others injured in what authorities are calling one of the deadliest public shootings the city has seen in decades.
The shooting began just after 6:40 p.m. near the center of the annual “Bloom Together” community event, a family festival that had drawn hundreds of parents and children for carnival rides, food vendors, and live music.
Witnesses described a scene of complete chaos as gunfire rang out near the main stage where children had been performing only minutes earlier.
“It sounded like fireworks at first,” said Melissa Grant, who attended the event with her two sons. “Then people started screaming and running. I grabbed my boys and hit the ground.”
Police say officers arrived within three minutes of the first 911 calls. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been officially released, was taken into custody after attempting to flee through a wooded area bordering the park.
Authorities confirmed late Saturday night that four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, including two adults and two teenagers. Ten others were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from minor wounds to critical conditions.
Investigators have not yet released a motive.
“This is a heartbreaking and horrifying act of violence,” Police Chief Daniel Reeves said during a midnight press conference outside City Hall. “Families came here to celebrate with their children, and instead they experienced terror.”
Emergency vehicles flooded the area for hours as paramedics treated victims beneath flashing lights and overturned festival tents.
Videos posted online showed frightened families running through clouds of smoke while police officers shouted for civilians to evacuate. Children could be heard crying as parents searched desperately for loved ones in the confusion.
One witness, 17-year-old Ava Ramirez, said she saw people collapse near a concession stand moments after the shooting started.
“There were kids everywhere,” she said through tears. “People were stepping over chairs and strollers trying to escape.”
Brookdale Medical Center confirmed it received multiple trauma patients shortly after the attack. Hospital officials said surgeons worked through the evening to stabilize several victims.
“We are doing everything possible for those affected,” hospital spokesperson Erica Nolan said. “This is an unimaginable tragedy for our community.”
As news of the shooting spread, terrified parents rushed to local schools and emergency reunification centers established by the city.
Inside Brookdale High School gymnasium, volunteers handed out blankets and bottles of water while police helped families locate missing children.
Some parents waited for hours.
Others received devastating news.
Governor Michael Turner issued a statement late Saturday condemning the violence and promising full state support for the investigation.
“No parent should fear taking their child to a community event,” the statement read. “Tonight, our hearts are with the victims, the injured, and every family impacted by this senseless act.”
Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, have joined the investigation.
Sources close to law enforcement say detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing dozens of witnesses. Officials are also examining social media accounts linked to the suspect.
Police have not confirmed whether the shooting was targeted or random.
Residents gathered outside churches and community centers across the city overnight, many holding candles and photographs of the victims as prayers echoed through crowds still struggling to process the violence.
“This town is shattered tonight,” said Reverend Alan Brooks during a vigil near the park entrance. “Children witnessed horror no child should ever see.”
The shooting has reignited national debate over gun violence and public safety at family events.
Community leaders called for increased security measures during large public gatherings, while advocacy groups renewed demands for legislative action.
For many survivors, however, the political arguments felt distant compared to the trauma of what unfolded in mere seconds.
“I can still hear the screams,” said festival vendor Carla Jenkins, whose booth stood less than fifty feet from where the first shots were fired. “People were hiding under tables. Parents were using their bodies to shield their kids.”
Authorities said grief counselors will be available throughout the week for students, witnesses, and families affected by the tragedy.
Schools across the district are expected to increase security presence beginning Monday.
Meanwhile, investigators continued combing through Brookdale Park long after midnight, marking evidence near abandoned backpacks, scattered toys, and empty food trays left behind during the stampede.
Yellow police tape now surrounds much of the festival grounds.
What had been decorated hours earlier with balloons and colorful banners has become an active crime scene.
Residents returned Sunday morning to leave flowers near the park gate.
Stuffed animals, handwritten notes, and candles formed a growing memorial beneath a sign that still read:
“Welcome Families.”
One note simply said:
We came here for joy.
Police officials urged the public not to share graphic videos circulating online and asked anyone with footage from the event to contact investigators directly.
“We need facts, not fear,” Chief Reeves said. “Our priority now is supporting victims and ensuring accountability.”
As the investigation continues, the city remains in shock over how quickly a celebration turned into catastrophe.
For many families, the memory of music, laughter, and children running through the spring sunshine will now forever be tied to sirens, panic, and gunfire.
“This was supposed to be the happiest day of the year for these kids,” said local resident Hannah Cole while placing flowers at the memorial Sunday morning.
Instead, she said quietly, “it became a nightmare.”
