High school homecoming celebrations in Mississippi ended in gunfire, with two separate shootings on opposite sides of the state Friday night that left at least six people dead and many more injured, authorities said.
Four of the dead were killed in downtown Leland after a high school football homecoming game in the Mississippi Delta region on the state’s western edge, according to state senator Derrick Simmons. About 20 people were injured in the gunfire as crowds gathered after the game, with four in critical condition transported to a larger medical facility in Jackson.
“People were just congregating and having a good time in the downtown of Leland,” Simmons stated. He described the aftermath as “very chaotic” as first responders flooded the area.
Simmons criticized the ongoing situation of gun violence as “senseless,” calling for witnesses to come forward with any information regarding the shooting. He emphasized the public's role in working with law enforcement: “We are asking any and all individuals who might have any information regarding the horrific shooting last night to come forward and provide whatever information they have.”
Meanwhile, in another incident, police in Heidelberg reported two fatalities at the school campus during their homecoming weekend. The Heidelberg Police Chief indicated they are seeking information regarding an 18-year-old male believed to be related to the crime, but further details remain scarce.
Simmons condemned the incidents, stating, “What we are experiencing now is just a proliferation of guns just being in circulation.” As the investigations continue, community members are encouraged to help bring clarity to the troubling events.
