Two Dead, 35 Injured in Georgia Block Party Mass Shooting
More than 1,000 people were gathered when over 50 shots were fired in Vienna, Georgia.
A mass shooting at a neighborhood block party in South Georgia early Sunday morning resulted in two fatalities and 35 injuries, according to officials. The incident occurred in Vienna, Georgia, where more than 1,000 people had gathered.
Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy reported that more than 50 shots were fired in at least two locations approximately a block apart. Deputies were present at the block party around 1:25 a.m. when shots rang out on the 900 block of Pine Street. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested to assist the sheriff's office.
Two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene due to gunshot wounds. Of the 35 injured victims, most sustained gunshot wounds, while others were injured by vehicles or during the ensuing chaos as people fled. All 35 injured individuals were transported to local hospitals.
The victims who died were identified as 21-year-old Jaquevion Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old Macaleb Jackson of Hawkinsville. The GBI stated that the injured victims range in age from 14 to 51, with conditions varying from stable to critical.
The event coincided with the homecoming weekend for Dooly County High School. However, Dooly County School System superintendent Sherrod Willaford clarified that the shooting was not related to a school-sponsored event, though he acknowledged its potential impact on students, families, and staff. Schools are scheduled to open Monday with enhanced safety measures.
Vienna Mayor Eddie Daniels indicated that the city had not issued a permit for the block party and was unsure if it was connected to homecoming celebrations. The shooting took place in Vienna, a town located about 130 miles south of Atlanta.
Authorities have not yet made any arrests, identified a motive, or stated the number of shooters involved. Sheriff Peavy urged the responsible parties to surrender to law enforcement. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. This shooting follows another incident last week in Macon, where 12 teenagers were wounded by gunfire at a park birthday party.