Shootings at Halloween Party in N.C. Leave 2 Dead, 13 Injured

UPDATE: A tragic shooting at a Halloween party in Maxton, North Carolina, has left two people dead, including a 16-year-old boy, and critically injured 13 others. The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on October 28, 2023, at a large outdoor gathering that attracted over 300 attendees, according to officials.

Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that the chaos erupted from a confrontation between two groups at the party, which was held in a rural area. “There was a confrontation between a couple of groups of people, and then gunfire erupted,” Wilkins told WBTW-TV.

The shooting has raised urgent concerns as law enforcement reports indicate that multiple shooters were involved. More than 150 party-goers fled the scene before police arrived, complicating the investigation. Authorities are actively seeking information from anyone present at the event.

The victims include a 47-year-old man and the teenage boy, whose identities have not yet been released. One of the injured individuals was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment, while others are receiving care at nearby facilities. No arrests have been made as of Saturday afternoon, but Sheriff Wilkins stated that there are multiple persons of interest connected to the case.

The sheriff’s office was unaware of the party until reports of gunfire surfaced, as the number of attendees fell below the local threshold requiring a permit, which would have mandated security presence.

The community is reeling from this violence, and the sheriff’s office urges anyone with information to contact investigators. This incident underscores the growing concern over safety at large gatherings, particularly in rural areas where law enforcement’s ability to respond can be limited.

As investigations continue, updates will be provided as more details emerge. This developing story has significant implications for community safety and gun violence awareness in North Carolina. Stay tuned for the latest.