FLORIDA: At least nine people were injured on Monday evening when gunfire erupted along a beachside promenade in Hollywood, Florida, sending people frantically running for cover along the crowded beach on Memorial Day.
According to the Arab News, many of the injured were taken to a children’s hospital.
According to Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System, the nine people wounded included six adults and three children. She said All of the victims were in stable condition.
Police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said four children between the ages of 1 and 17 were targeted, along with five adults between 25 and 65. She said one was in surgery late Monday, while the others were stable. It wasn’t immediately clear if the hospital was counting a 17-year-old as an adult.
Bettineschi said the shooting happened shortly before 7 p.m. The fight broke out; at least one gun was pulled, and shots were fired. At least one person was in custody, but police were looking for more suspects.
O’Brien said Police Chief Chris said thousands of citizens were in the area, and dozens of police officers responded, including some who were nearby.
He said, “Unfortunately, law-abiding citizens come to our beaches and that gets interrupted by a group of criminals.”
The shooting happened on the Hollywood Oceanfront Broadwalk near a convenience store, a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store and a Subway sandwich shop.
Alvie Carlton Scott III said he was on the beach when he suddenly heard many gunshots. He said he hid behind a tree and fled after a police officer told people to run.
On the Broadwalk, Jamie Ward said many young men were fighting in front of the stores when one pulled the gun and started shooting.
Videos posted on Twitter on Monday evening showed emergency medical crews responding and aiding multiple injured citizens.
Police said there would be a heavy presence of officers as the investigation continues. Officials set up a place for family members to reunite.
Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said, “Thank you to the good samaritans, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses for their immediate response to aid the victims of today’s shooting.”
Hollywood Beach is a popular destination about 11 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles north of Miami. The beach expected more visitors than usual because of the Memorial Day holiday.
