5 People Hurt, 2 Critically, in Texas Shooting at Park With 600 People

A police car in a file photo. (Diego Parra/Pixabay)

At least five people were reportedly shot Sunday at a park in Fort Worth, Texas, at a 600-person party, according to authorities.

The shooting occurred at the Village Creek Park in Fort Worth at around 6:30 p.m., officials told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Two of the victims were critically wounded, officials added. The three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Star-Telegram.

After fireworks were set off in the park, about 30 gunshots were fired, witnesses told police.

Parks in Fort Worth are open during the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, but city officials and state officials have called on people to engage in social distancing practices.

Fort Worth public information officer Buddy Calzada said in a press briefing on Sunday night that police responded after 7 p.m.

“The best thing we can do for them is obviously pray” and allow “them some medical care right now,” Calzada said, referring to the victims.

Calzada said the Fort Worth police gang unit is leading an investigation into the matter. State and federal law enforcement agencies are assisting, Calzada said.

The stay-at-home order in Texas expired on May 1, while Gov. Greg Abbott has laid out plans for the loosening of additional restrictions.

Calzada said that the department has worked to inform people about social distancing. Fines are typically not used to enforce the guidelines.

“We’ve been stating that everyone would follow the rules that have been set out,” Calzada said. “We’ve tried to work with everybody to not try to cite them or ticket them but ultimately people have a choice and that’s just the choice they made tonight.”