JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – After multiple gunmen opened fire during the Mississippi Mudbug Festival, one person was killed and several were injured. One of the suspected shooters is believed to have been killed in an officer-involved shooting.
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones said an officer is believed to have killed one of the suspected shooters at the Mississippi Mudbug Festival on Saturday night. WLB Reports.
“We believe … the deceased victim was actively involved in the reported shooting incident,” Jones said. “I will not reveal the name or the agency the officer is affiliated with. That is something that will come out…at a later date.”
Dozens of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies responded to the Mississippi Fairgrounds after shooters opened fire near the Mississippi Trade Mart around 10 p.m.
At least six people were shot, including the deceased.
Four people were transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment. Jones said in a tweet early Sunday that all of the victims “appear to be in stable condition at this time and do not appear to be directly involved in the shooting or the circumstances leading up to the shooting.”
“We are still checking other hospitals to see if other people were shot and transported in private vehicles to other hospitals as well,” Jones said.
Jones spoke to the press around midnight outside the OYO hotel. He wasn’t sure what led to the shooting and said more details are likely to emerge during the course of the investigation.
“There was an exchange of gunfire between at least two or three people in and around (a) vehicle at this location. During the course of the exchange, at least one of these individuals fired multiple rounds, multiple shots, into the midway area of the event that was in progress,” he said. “We don’t believe there was anyone else injured along the midway during the course of this shooting.”
The rides were closed shortly after the shooting occurred, and patrons were forced to leave. The entry and exit points leading to the fairgrounds were eventually closed to the public.
“The police were on the scene. They responded and at some particular point in time were able to apprehend at least two people along with at least one vehicle at this time that we believe is also involved in this incident,” Jones said.
Jones said the individuals arrested are minors.
Two rifles, a pistol and a “large number of shell casings of different calibers” were also recovered.
During the course of the investigation, the sheriff said it was determined that a law enforcement officer also opened fire, shooting and killing one of the possible shooters.
“It’s very devastating and tragic,” Jones said. “This is what should be considered a family-oriented event, for families from all walks of life to come together in one common place to enjoy the entertainment and enjoy the food… You have the reckless behavior of people who don’t They take lives into account. and safety of those attending the event, and it seems to me a very (cowardly) and selfish act”.
The sheriff wasn’t sure if the event would go ahead Sunday, telling the media it would be up to event organizers and the Mississippi State Fair Commission.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been called in to help with the case.
Jones urges anyone with additional information to contact their local law enforcement agency.
“We will find out exactly what happened,” he said. “We will find out who is involved and should be held accountable for this most reckless incident that occurred here tonight.”
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Reference-www.wkyt.com