MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Eight people, including two men who died, were shot to death at an unauthorized party at a Memphis park over the weekend, police said.
Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn Davis said at a press conference at the scene that officers responded early Saturday evening to reports of a shooting at Orange Mound Park. Two men were pronounced dead at the scene, Davis said.
Police said the six surviving victims were taken to area hospitals, one in critical condition and one released. Police announced on social platform X that the victims were in stable condition by Sunday morning.
The shooting occurred at a block party, where Davis said there were an estimated 200 to 300 people in attendance, but it appears no city permits had been issued.
At least two people appear to have fired shots during the shooting, Davis said, and police are reviewing video footage as part of the ongoing investigation. He was not immediately arrested.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young said in a statement that he “appropriately captures the pain we all feel over this recent senseless act of violence, where guns were brazenly brought into a park full of young people, families, and children.” There are no words to express it.” A statement issued on Sunday. “This has to stop. The violence has to end.”
Memphis police initially said there were 16 people shot, but later revised that number and said it appeared to be a mistake due to “several victims being reported multiple times” on social media. .
