A 19-year-old man was killed and six others were injured in a shooting overnight after hundreds of teens filled downtown Pensacola, Florida, for the Fourth of July, police said. The incident occurred during a ‘teen takeover’ that began with children as young as middle schoolers holding fireworks and escalated into an increasingly dangerous situation, as older teens and young adults filled the streets Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
Investigation Underway
Police described the scene as ‘frightening behavior’ throughout the night, with teens fighting, launching fireworks at other people, and carrying handguns. Officers made multiple arrests throughout the night unrelated to the shooting. The Pensacola Police Department had nearly tripled its staffing in the area in anticipation of crowded holiday celebrations.
Despite efforts to save the 19-year-old with CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The six other victims, ranging in age from 16 to 26, are receiving medical care at various hospitals, and all are expected to survive. Police are now asking for the public’s help in finding one or more gunmen responsible for the shooting, which they believe was targeted.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
