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Round Rock's annual Juneteenth celebration on June 15th was overshadowed by a tragic event. A mass shooting left the community in shock and mourning. Two lives were lost at the scene.
Additionally, 14 victims were wounded. They were rushed to local hospitals. The Round Rock Police Department, led by Chief Allen Banks, is now working hard to find the suspect.
The suspect is a young black male known for his short dreadlocks. He is considered potentially dangerous. There's a $5,000 reward from the ATF for information that leads to his capture.
The shooting took place at Old Settlers Park. Due to the incident, further events there have been stopped. Chief Banks thanked federal and county agencies for their help. He underscored the deep impact of this event on a celebration meant for peace.
Key Takeaways
- Mass shooting incident during the Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock.
- Two people were declared deceased at the scene, and 14 others were injured.
- The shooting occurred at Old Settlers Park on June 15th.
- The suspect is described as a young black male with short dreadlocks.
- A $5,000 reward is being offered by the ATF for information leading to an arrest.
- The FBI is actively providing resources and support to the Round Rock Police Department.
- Subsequent events at the Juneteenth celebration have been canceled amid ongoing investigations.
Mass shooting incident during the Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock.
Overview of the Round Rock Juneteenth Shooting
The annual Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock was shattered on June 15th. Gunfire broke out between two groups at Old Settlers Park, where thousands were gathered. This violence resulted in two deaths and fourteen injuries.
Details of the Incident
The trouble started at about 10:50 p.m., amid the celebration. A verbal fight quickly escalated into a shooting. This event put many, from kids to adults, in danger. Several victims needed immediate medical help.
Confirmed Casualties and Injuries
Two lives were lost, and fourteen people were hurt, as reported by Round Rock Police. Nearly all have been released from hospitals, with the few remaining in stable condition. Each victim was an innocent bystander. Nurse Amber Megens played a key role in offering immediate aid.
Initial Law Enforcement Response
Over 22 law enforcement officials responded quickly to the shooting. Old Settlers Park reopened almost 17 hours later. Austin-Travis County EMS and Williamson County WMS provided medical support. The suspect is still free. He's described as a Black male around five-foot-seven, slim, with short dreadlocks. Chief Allen Banks is asking anyone with information to call Round Rock Police at 512-218-5500. Yet, no arrests have been made. The search continues for those behind this heartbreaking incident.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Shooting
Shock and confusion filled the air as gunfire sounds interrupted the Round Rock Juneteenth celebration at Old Settlers Park. At first, many thought they were firecrackers. But the sound led to panic. Onnesha Williams from Black Families of Hutto quickly realized the seriousness when screams started, leading to chaos and many people leaving fast.
Reactions of Attendees
People at the event shared what they saw, telling of fear and confusion. Many were near the vendor area, enjoying a free concert, when shots were fired. The community of Round Rock has been in shock, trying to understand this tragedy.
Immediate Aftermath and Panic
Right after the incident, there was an urgent yet organized evacuation. The police stopped cars leaving the park to look for the suspect. No one was overlooked. Fourteen people were injured, six seriously, and taken to hospitals. This left the community trying hard to deal with the sadness and making sure everyone got the help they needed.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Injured | 14 |
| Suspect Description | Thin build, 5 feet 7 inches tall, short dreadlocks, wearing a white hoodie |
| ATF Reward | $5,000 |
As more details came out, everyone felt less safe. The Round Rock Police Department is still looking for the suspect. This has made everyone think about how we keep our gatherings safe.
Police and Community Response to the Tragedy
The Juneteenth shooting prompted quick action from Round Rock officials. Chief Banks from the police lauded the first responders' bravery. FBI spokesperson Trista Moxley and Mayor Craig Morgan shared their deep sadness and condolences for the victims' families.
Official Statements from Authorities
After the incident, the importance of alertness and working together was highlighted. Mayor Morgan spoke of the city's strength, vowing not to live in fear. The FBI and ATF joined in, offering help and a reward for catching the suspect.
Community Support and Solidarity
The Juneteenth shooting brought the community closer. People from the event at Old Settlers Park are showing support for each other. The Voice Inc. and the Parks Department have led these efforts, bringing aid and comfort.
Resources for Mental Health and Crisis Support
The event's shock made mental health support essential. The local Crisis Response Unit extended hours for help, available at 512-218-5501.
National mental health resources include:
- U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 24/7 helpline at 1-800-985-5990
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988
- Bluebonnet Trails Crisis Hotline: Call 1-800-841-1255
Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers have special help available. Resources like the NMVVRC's guide and the American Psychological Association's advice help manage stress. These efforts emphasize mental health and community healing. Together, Round Rock's spirit will help them recover from this hardship.
Impact on Future Round Rock Events
The sad event at the Round Rock Juneteenth festival makes us think hard about security. Two people died, and many got hurt, making city leaders look closely at safety rules.
Even though the festival had lots of police, firefighters, and EMS staff, the violence showed plans can fail. Wayne Williams and other leaders want stronger security. But they don't want to lose the event's friendly spirit.
Everyone wants to keep the fun but add more protection for the Round Rock Juneteenth. They are finding new ways to keep everyone safe but still enjoy the celebration.
Round Rock will use what it learned this year to make future events safer. The main aim is to have safe, fun events. This way, traditions can keep going without fear.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Security Personnel | 22 law enforcement, fire department, EMS |
| Injuries | 14 hospitalized, most stable |
| Casualties | 2 deceased |
| Public Concern | Community shock and disbelief |
| Future Events | Reevaluating safety measures |
Importance of Addressing Gun Violence
The recent Round Rock Juneteenth shooting has shown us we urgently need to tackle gun violence. Communities everywhere in the United States face this challenge. It's vital that locals and leaders work together to figure out effective solutions.
Community Conversations on Gun Safety
Chief Allen Banks stressed the need to start talking about gun safety in Round Rock. He believes that discussion among residents, the police, and policymakers can lead to a solid plan against gun violence. These talks are crucial to understand why this happens and how to prevent it.
Steps for Preventive Measures
Stopping gun violence takes a range of actions. It's essential to beef up security at gatherings, as seen after the Juneteenth event. The Texas School Safety Center suggests training to spot online threats. This is key because threats by Texas students on social media like Instagram and Tik Tok jumped by 225%.
| Preventive Measure | Implementation Detail |
|---|---|
| Universal Background Checks | Supported by the Congressional Gun Violence Protection Task Force, ensuring that all gun buyers undergo thorough background checks to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. |
| Safe Storage Laws | Laws mandating the secure storage of firearms to reduce the risk of accidental shootings and unauthorized access, particularly by children. |
| Digital Threat Assessment Training | Implementing training programs in schools to effectively monitor and mitigate threats on social media, as driven by the Texas School Safety Center. |
| Combatting Bullying | Proactive measures in schools to address bullying, given that many school shooters have a history of long-term victimization and rejection. |
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Public Assistance
The Juneteenth shooting in Round Rock has led to a big investigation. The Round Rock Police are working with the FBI and the ATF. Chief Allen Banks is asking everyone for help.
They need anything that could help catch the suspect. This shows we all have a part in finding justice for the victims.
We have details about who to look for. A young black male, about 5'7" tall, with a slim frame. He’s 19 to 20 years old, has short dreadlocks, and was last seen in a white hoodie.
This terrible event left two people dead. Fourteen others were hurt, including kids. They were all rushed to nearby hospitals.
The ATF is now offering a $5,000 reward. It’s for information that leads to an arrest. You can call the Round Rock Police at 512-218-5500 if you have video or know something important.
This plea for help shows we’re all in this together. It’s a moment that has profoundly affected Round Rock.
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