ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Two people were killed and 14 others were injured in a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration Saturday night, Round Rock police say, and they now have an idea of who they are looking for as a suspect.
Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said the shooting happened around 10:50 p.m. at Old Settlers Park after a fight between two groups who were at the event. During a media briefing around 6 p.m. Sunday, Banks described the suspect in the shooting as:
- Black male
- 5 feet, 7 inches tall
- Thin build
- 19-20 years old
- Hair in short dreads
- Last seen wearing a white hoodie
Banks said police believe the subject is “armed and dangerous” and not to approach the suspect if seen. He said “most” of the 14 injured have been released from area hospitals with the remaining victims in stable condition and should be released “within the next day or so.” The victims’ ages ranged from 10 to 62-years-old.
“The park was crowded during the celebration. We very well could have faced more casualties,” Banks said. He told KXAN in a press conference late Saturday night that the victims were innocent bystanders — not involved in the initial fight. “We’re very disappointed and angry with these events. This is the 16th year of this Juneteenth event, and for someone to destroy the peace and celebration within an instant, it angers me.”
Chief Banks said he plans to release the names of the two who were killed in the shooting Monday. He called it a “senseless, cowardly act that doesn’t belong in Round Rock,” and had a message for the suspect to close his comments.
“Turn yourself in,” Banks said. “If you’re man enough to carry a gun and pull the trigger, be man enough to step up. Turn yourself in. Let’s figure out why you chose to take lives and injure people.” He added that it officers are still investigating what led up to the shooting and the reason the two “groups” were fighting in the first place.
Banks shared that police officers and members of the Round Rock Fire Department who were there immediately tried to help the victims of the shooting when it happened. Austin-Travis County EMS and Williamson County EMS responded to the scene and took people to area hospitals.
“My thoughts and my prayers go out to the victims,” Banks said. “My condolences go out to the families of the deceased.”
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan stressed the city’s commitment to “safety, celebration and unity,” adding that city leaders share their condolences with those injured and killed in the shooting.
I know Round Rock residents are devastated as they wake up to the terrible news of last night’s tragic events. To the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones, please know that our entire community mourns with you. To those who were injured, we are here to support you in your recovery.
We are a community that values safety, celebration and unity, and we are committed to ensuring that our community heals through this event together. We will not let this incident define us, nor will we let fear take hold. Instead, we will support each other, offer help where it is needed, and remain united in our resolve to make Round Rock a safe and welcoming place for all.
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan
The City is also offering its Crisis Response Unit to help attendees with their mental health following the shooting. From June 16 to 21, the unit has extended its hours from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The unit can be reached at 512-218-5501 to set up an appointment.
Anyone with video or information about the incident is asked to call the Round Rock Police Department at 512-218-5500.
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