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5 people shot at park during Mechanicsville neighborhood reunion, police say

By and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Published  August 11, 2024 6:41am EDT
Mechanicsville
FOX 5 Atlanta

5 people shot at Mechanicsville reunion

Five people ranging from 15 to 33 years old were shot during the annual Mechanicsville neighborhood reunion at Rosa L. Burney Park in Atlanta.

ATLANTA - Atlanta police are investigating a shooting that occurred late Saturday night in the Mechanicsville neighborhood, leaving five people injured. The incident took place at Rosa L. Burney Park, located just off Windsor Street, following the annual Mechanicsville neighborhood reunion.

According to witnesses, someone started shooting into the crowd of about 7,000 people who gathered for the reunion.

"There was going to be a shooting. We already heard that, it was already mentioned that there was going to be a shooting," witness Durell Jackson said. "So, they was telling a lot of people, 'Don't come.' This is the last reunion out of all the reunions, so this is one of the biggest ones in Atlanta, Georgia. We have it every year."

Police said the shooting happened just after 10:30 p.m. Emergency responders transported all five injured individuals to a local hospital.

One of the victims, a 29-year-old female, was reportedly in critical condition. The other four victims, a 17-year-old female, a 33-year-old female, a 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old male were stable when they were transported. Their exact conditions are unknown. 

Durell explained that the event is usually wholesome. Even children attend.

"The kids are out playing, everybody out just chilling and enjoying each other," he said. "They haven't seen each other in years."

Durell said violence may have broken out this time due to a lack of security for the event.

"I think we just need a couple of more police. There wasn't enough police here from what I seen," he said. "Maybe 10 [or] 15 police. It wasn't enough."

Following the shooting, police were on the scene for several hours, and over 100 evidence markers were observed. Authorities have identified a person of interest, though it remains unclear if anyone has been taken into custody.

"We need a little bit more community people out here investing into these young kids because these young kids right now, they have the minds of adults," Durell said. "They're walking around with guns, shooting with no regards."

As the investigation continues, police are working to gather more details. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.