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8 injured, 2 seriously, after shooting in Massachusetts – WGAU

METHUEN, Massachusetts – Eight people were injured, two seriously, when shots rang out at a party in northeastern Massachusetts early Sunday.

District Attorney Paul Tucker said the shooting occurred at a gathering that was publicized on social media. Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara said gunfire occurred at 100 Lindberg Ave. in Methuen around 1:55 a.m. EDT, WFXT-TV reported.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found that seven people had been hit by bullets, the television station reported. An eighth person suffered head injuries while trying to flee the scene.

The victims are between 17 and 22 years old, police said. Two of the victims are still in critical condition.

“This case is part of a whole series of these Snapchat events where people gather,” Tucker told reporters. “Typically, these gatherings involve very loud music, disorderly conduct and sometimes alcohol.”

“We try to take steps to prevent this from happening and we’ve been pretty successful in that regard,” McNamara said. “Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred here in Metheun last night.”

Tucker added that the victims and witnesses came from “across the county (Essex) and beyond.”

“This is another tragic case of gun violence that brings us together this morning,” Tucker said. “It’s pretty amazing that more people weren’t injured given the amount of ballistic evidence we’re currently collecting.”

“We will keep working until we find the person responsible.”

No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, WFXT reported. The investigation is ongoing.

“These senseless acts of violence do not represent our community,” McNamara said.

Methuen is located on the border of the state of New Hampshire and is about 28 miles north of Boston.

Sunday’s incident continued a series of shootings over Father’s Day weekend.

In Rochester Hills, Minnesota, a gunman opened fire at a water playground, wounding nine people, and died of a self-inflicted wound after a standoff with authorities at his mother’s home.

In Round Rock, Texas, two people were killed and several injured during a Juneteenth celebration.