Shooting in Prince George County – An investigation has been launched by the Prince George’s County Police in Maryland after a shooting incident occurred during a Fourth of July celebration. Three victims, including a young child, were injured in the shooting.
Police Chief Malik Aziz identified the three victims during a press conference. The incident took place just before 8 p.m. on Akron Street in Marlow Heights. According to Aziz, two individuals fired weapons towards another person.
Preliminary investigations suggest that both shooters were firing in one direction when two adults and an unidentified male child were hit. While it is believed an exchange of gunfire took place, the exact number of suspects involved is yet to be confirmed.
The youngest victim is said to be in critical condition due to the recklessness of using firearms during the neighborhood celebration. No suspects have been identified at this time.
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks also spoke about the incident, describing it as “unconscionable”. She highlighted that while people were celebrating freedom on July 4th across the country, someone brought a gun to this particular community celebration.
Aziz stated that it is unknown if those involved in the shooting were part of the barbecue festivities. However, he emphasized that bringing guns to such community events turns them violent and stressed on getting firearms off the streets.
Despite ongoing fireworks displays at night, there were no delays caused by police response following reports of gunshots instead of fireworks sounds.
Notably, Montgomery and Prince George’s County have enacted total bans on fireworks except for licensed professionals conducting authorized displays.
Authorities are unsure if those responsible for the shooting attended the celebration. One adult was taken to hospital and is expected to recover while another adult suffered only a graze wound. The unidentified child remains critically injured.
Alsobrooks strongly condemned violence during neighborhood celebrations where families come together for safe gatherings and emphasized how disputes should be resolved without resorting to firearms.