By A shocking incident unfolded in Crete, Nebraska, as 74-year-old Billy Booth allegedly opened fire on his neighbors, injuring seven people before turning the gun on himself. The shooting, which occurred on Friday afternoon, is being investigated as a potentially racially motivated attack, Daily MailOnline reports.
The victims include four children aged 3 to 10 and three adults, all believed to be of Hispanic descent. While some have been released from local hospitals, others continue to receive treatment for non-life-threatening but serious injuries. State Troopers have not released the names of those affected to protect their privacy during recovery.
According to Daily MailOnline, authorities revealed that Booth had previously told the targeted family to “go back to where you came from” and to “speak English,” suggesting a possible racial motive. Nebraska Crete Police Chief Gary Young acknowledged the potential racial element, stating that the context of these remarks “lends itself to that” interpretation.
The shooting began just before 4 pm local time, with Booth firing multiple rounds from inside his house next door. Colonel John A. Bolduc of Nebraska State Patrol confirmed that the injuries were consistent with shotgun blast wounds, and most victims were outside during the attack, though at least one was struck inside the home.
When police arrived at the scene, they found victims with gunshot wounds outside the residence and the suspect barricaded in his own home. A SWAT team responded, and shortly after, a single gunshot was heard from Booth’s house. Inside, authorities found Booth deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, along with two firearms, including the shotgun believed to have been used in the attack.
The incident has shocked the community, with a friend of one of the victims, Joshua Morales, telling KETV that Booth had previously made incendiary remarks and “shot the house up.” Morales described the attack as “just a racist thing that happened.”
Police confirmed that Booth and the family had prior disputes over parking and other minor issues. In May, Booth reportedly told the family to “go back to where they came from” and to “speak English” while making an offensive gesture. The family had reported this incident but chose not to pursue the matter further at the time.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation, but the racial overtones of the incident have raised serious concerns about hate-driven violence in the community.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing issues of racial tension and gun violence in America, prompting discussions about community safety, racial integration, and the need for stricter gun control measures. As the victims recover and the community grapples with the aftermath, local and state officials are working to provide support and seek justice for those affected by this senseless act of violence.
