Oklahoma City—A shooting during a Cinco de Mayo celebration at The Collective food hall left nine people injured late Friday night. Law enforcement officials are investigating the incident, which involved two shooters and began around 11 p.m. as attendees enjoyed festivities and the Oklahoma City Thunder playoff game.
Witnesses reported chaos as gunfire erupted among the crowd, resulting in seven individuals being shot and two others suffering injuries from shattered glass. Upon arrival, police found several victims in need of immediate medical attention. Four of the shooting victims were reported to be in critical condition, although all were expected to survive.
The Collective was hosting a vibrant event that drew a sizable crowd when the situation escalated. According to police, an argument between individuals led to the gunfire, prompting multiple bystanders to flee the scene in panic. Authorities believe that two individuals were responsible for the shooting, but no arrests have been made thus far.
The local community is coming together in the wake of the violence. Nathan Wiewel, a spokesperson for The Collective, stated that the food hall is focusing on recovery efforts, including providing mental health support to employees and establishing a fund to assist victims with their medical costs.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this incident,” Wiewel said. “It’s a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to supporting our community as we all recover from this.”
The investigation is currently in its early stages, with detectives collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading to the shooting. Police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they work diligently to identify the suspects involved.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, both local residents and business owners alike are calling for increased safety measures to prevent future occurrences. The Collective, known as a gathering spot for food and culture, faces the challenge of restoring a sense of security to its patrons while continuing to serve a vibrant community.
Efforts to heal from this tragic event will be ongoing, as the community rallies to support those affected, reaffirming its resilience in the face of adversity.