A Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock, Texas, turned tragic as a shooting erupted late Saturday night at Old Settlers Park, leaving two dead and multiple injured. The incident unfolded shortly before 11 p.m. when a dispute between two groups escalated into violence, disrupting what should have been a joyous occasion commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks expressed deep dismay and frustration during a media briefing, emphasizing that this was the 16th year of the event, traditionally marked by peace and celebration. He described the suspect as a young man around 19 to 20 years old, urging him to surrender to authorities. Chief Banks appealed directly to the suspect, urging him to take responsibility for his actions.
“We’re very disappointed and angry with these events,” Chief Banks lamented. “Turn yourself in. Let’s figure out why you chose to take lives and injure people.”
The victims, whose ages ranged from 10 to 62 years old, were attended to promptly by police officers and members of the Round Rock Fire Department who were present at the scene. Fortunately, most of the wounded have been discharged from local hospitals, with the rest expected to recover soon.
Chief Banks plans to release the identities of the deceased on Monday, expressing condolences to their families and heartfelt sympathy for all affected by the senseless violence.
The community of Round Rock, located just north of Austin, is grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy, as law enforcement continues to investigate the motives behind the shooting. As details unfold, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while seeking justice for those lost in the midst of a celebration meant to honor freedom and resilience.