North Carolina (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A mass shooting at a large party near Maxton, Robeson County, North Carolina, injured 13 people and resulted in two deaths. The incident occurred early on Saturday morning at a Halloween gathering attended by over 150 people, with several victims in critical condition and no arrests made yet.
Shooting Details and Incident Location
The mass shooting unfolded just after 1:00 AM local time on a rural road outside Maxton, a small town in Robeson County. The party, described as a Halloween celebration, had more than 150 attendees. Gunfire erupted suddenly, causing panic and injuries among guests. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 13 individuals were shot during the incident, with two fatalities one victim aged 16 and another aged 47.
Several of the wounded remain in critical condition, with one victim airlifted to a hospital in Chapel Hill. Law enforcement arrived swiftly but found that many attendees had fled the scene before their arrival.
Response and Community Situation
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins stated that despite the severity of the attack, there is no ongoing threat to the wider community, affirming that the shooting appears to be an isolated event specific to the party. His office urged anyone with information about the shooting or those present at the scene to come forward to aid the investigation.
The sheriff highlighted challenges in obtaining cooperation from witnesses, noting this is sadly a recurrent issue within the county when large gatherings face violence. This lack of cooperation hinders investigative efforts in solving similar crimes.
Law Enforcement Investigation
At the time of reporting, no arrests had been made, but persons of interest have been identified. Investigators, including homicide detectives, are actively working at the scene and gathering evidence.
The sheriff’s office emphasised their commitment to pursuing leads and encouraged community members to provide tips confidentially. The goal is to hold those responsible accountable and bring closure for victims and their families.
Impact and Community Reaction
The shooting has shocked the local population, once again bringing attention to the safety challenges faced by rural communities in Robeson County. Officials and residents expressed condolences for the victims and their families during this difficult time.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for community support initiatives and improved public safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
