URGENT UPDATE: Two people have been killed and multiple others critically injured in a shooting at a Halloween party in Maxton, North Carolina, early Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. at a large outdoor gathering that drew over 300 attendees, including a 16-year-old boy and a 47-year-old man who both lost their lives.
According to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, a total of 13 individuals were shot at the event, which took place in a rural area outside Maxton, approximately 95 miles southwest of Raleigh. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins reported that the violence erupted from a confrontation between two groups at the party.
“There’s a lot of interviews taking place, but apparently there was a confrontation between a couple of groups of people and then gunfire between those two started,” Wilkins told WBTW-TV. The names of the deceased have not yet been released, but the impact of this tragedy resonates deeply within the community.
One of the injured victims was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, while others are receiving care at nearby medical facilities. As of Saturday afternoon, no arrests have been made, but authorities are actively pursuing multiple persons of interest linked to the shootings. Eyewitness accounts suggest that several people fired shots, utilizing multiple firearms during the chaotic scene.
The sheriff’s office noted that more than 150 attendees fled the party before law enforcement arrived. Investigators are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Wilkins reported that law enforcement was unaware of the party beforehand, as the number of attendees was below the threshold requiring a permit, which would have also mandated security presence.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for community awareness and safety measures during large gatherings. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic event, and the emotional toll on families and friends affected by the violence is profound.
As investigations progress, the community remains on edge, with many seeking answers and justice for the victims. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this urgent situation as details emerge.
