About 1,000 people were attending a Martin Luther King Day celebration in Fort Pierce, Florida. Eight people lost their lives that day.
A shooting broke out at Ilous Ellis Park near Avenue M and 13th Street at 5:20 pm, during the Martin Luther King Car Show and Family Fun Day.
While her nine-year-old daughter was watching, Nikkitia Bryant, 29, was shot during a shooting that was allegedly between rival gangs.
Chief Deputy Brian Hester of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said that several other people were wounded and transported to hospitals for treatment. Bryant succumbed to her wounds after surgery the following day.
As visitors to the event fled for safety, at least 11 more people were injured. One young person was hurt in the scuffle as people ran to get away.
The gunfire began as the community congregated in the park to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with an afternoon car show, dancing performances, a live DJ, and children’s activities.
Videos recorded by witnesses showed people dancing and listening to the music, until gunfire drowned it out and the scene became chaotic with people hiding and running with their kids to safety.
Two sheriff’s deputies who were on patrol at the park celebration rushed to help the injured, and many witnesses also provided first aid and transportation of victims to the hospital.
The sheriff’s office is investigating the crime scene, speaking with victims at the hospital, and pursuing leads.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the incident is the 30th mass shooting in the nation so far this year, as of January 17. The organization defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more people are shot, not including the gunman. The United States is already recording an average of two shootings per day in 2023.