2 dead, several injured, police search for suspects

Jala Washington and Chelsea Moreno

17 mins ago

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Authorities say two people are dead and 14 others injured in a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Texas.

Police in Round Rock, a city about 20 miles north of Austin, said the shooting began shortly before 11 p.m. in Old Settlers Park after a fight broke out between two groups of people attending the Juneteenth rally.

“We are very disappointed and angry about these events. This is the 16th year of this Juneteenth event, and for someone to suddenly destroy the peace and celebration makes me angry,” Police Chief Allen Banks said during a press conference.

Police believe the suspect is “armed and dangerous” and are warning the public not to approach him if they see him. Banks described him as a slim man with short dreadlocks, 5’7″ tall and approximately 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, then be man enough to turn yourself in. Turn yourself in. Let’s find out why you chose to take lives and hurt people.”

Banks said he wanted to release the names of the two people killed in Monday’s shooting.

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

Banks said officers and members of the Round Rock Fire Department who were present at the event immediately attempted to assist the shooting victims.

Most of the injured have now been released from nearby hospitals, Banks said. The condition of the remaining victims is stable and they should be released “within the next few days,” he added. The victims range in age from 10 to 62 years.

Watch RRPD Chief Allen Banks’ briefing:

Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan issued the following statement: “I know the residents of Round Rock are devastated as they wake up to the terrible news of last night’s tragic events. To the families grieving the loss of loved ones, please know that our entire community is grieving with you. To those 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 our community gets through this event together. We will not allow this incident to define us, nor will we allow fear to overwhelm us. Instead, we will support one another, offer help where it is needed, and remain united in our determination 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 contact Round Rock Police at 512-218-5500.