Jonesboro, Arkansas – A tragic incident unfolded in Jonesboro, Arkansas, as a gunman opened fire at a party, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to five others. The violence erupted shortly before 5 am on Sunday, prompting a quick response from law enforcement officers from the Jonesboro Police Department.
According to authorities, the shooter, a man and a woman who were known to them, were among the deceased. Additionally, five individuals, including a woman acquainted with the shooter, sustained injuries during the shooting. Among the injured, three were not familiar to the suspect, while there is uncertainty regarding the relationship between the fifth wounded victim and the shooter.
CNN reported that the two female victims were identified as sisters by police spokesperson Sally Smith. Investigations revealed that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute that escalated at a private party being held in an abandoned building in the northeast part of the city near Little Rock.
While the identities of the victims and specifics of their injuries remain undisclosed, authorities assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation into the incident is ongoing to gather more details surrounding the tragedy.
This shooting marks one of a staggering 73 mass shootings in the United States this year, as noted by the Gun Violence Archive, which classifies a mass shooting as any incident where four or more individuals are shot, excluding the perpetrator. Reports also show a significant 40% increase in gun-related deaths between 2012 and 2021, compared to the national average increase of 39%. Such statistics underscore the urgent need for measures to address gun violence in the country.