Manassas, Va. – A tragic shooting occurred Friday night at the city’s long‑standing Old Town block party, leaving a 16‑year‑old girl dead and a 21‑year‑old man seriously injured. Police say the incident happened just before 9:30 p.m. near the Manassas Train Depot, a central hub for the monthly celebration that draws thousands of families and visitors.
Event background
The first Friday of each month, Manassas closes its downtown streets for a family‑friendly block party featuring live music, food vendors, and activities for children. City officials estimate that about 10,000 people were present Friday night, creating a festive atmosphere that was shattered by gunfire.
Police response
Manassas City Police Chief Douglas Keen briefed the media shortly after the shooting, confirming that the victim, a 16‑year‑old girl, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 21‑year‑old male victim was transported to a local hospital in serious but non‑life‑threatening condition. No arrests have been made, and investigators are still gathering evidence.
Chief Keen appealed directly to the community, urging anyone who was at the event to come forward. “If you’re a parent, if you have children, whether they’re under‑age or adult that were here tonight, please speak with them,” he said. “Someone saw something. We need our community’s help to identify the shooters involved in this incident tonight.”
How the public can help
Police are asking witnesses to call 703‑257‑8043 or upload any photos or video footage through the department’s evidence‑submission portal. Even recordings that do not appear to show the shooting itself could contain valuable clues, such as the sound of gunfire or the movement of individuals before and after the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released details about the motive or whether the shooting was targeted or random. Community members are being reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Impact on the community
The block party is a cherished tradition that brings together families from across Prince William County and the surrounding region. The loss of a young life has cast a somber mood over the event and raised concerns about public safety at large gatherings.
Local leaders, including Mayor Jim Bowles, expressed condolences to the victim’s family and pledged to work with law‑enforcement to ensure future events remain safe. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the teen who lost her life,” Bowles said. “We will do everything we can to support the investigation and keep our downtown a safe place for all.”
Next steps
Police will continue to canvass the area, interview witnesses, and review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and the train depot. The department encourages anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact investigators promptly.
As the community mourns, the incident underscores the importance of parental guidance and vigilance at public events, especially those that attract large crowds of youth. Residents are reminded to discuss safety plans with their children and to remain alert to any unusual behavior.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
