By BOSTON — A shooting near a Dominican festival in Boston’s Franklin Park on Sunday night left five people injured, authorities reported. Police are now searching for those responsible for the incident.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox told reporters that three men and two women suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The victims’ names and ages have not been released.
“We need to hold these people responsible whether it’s an individual or individuals responsible for this heinous act, you know shooting into a crowd,” Cox said Sunday night at the scene.
The shooting occurred as the festival was concluding and police were directing pedestrians out of the park. Cox said officers heard the shots as the event was winding down.
As of Monday, police had no updates on the investigation, including whether there was more than one shooter involved.
“The shooting really marred a pretty successful event for the folks here,” Cox added. “We’re going to hold them accountable. That’s why we need the public’s help and support on this one, but this shouldn’t be happening in our city, not in this day and age.”
The incident comes at a time when Boston has been recognized for reducing violent crime. According to police statistics, there were 37 homicides in the city last year, while only 10 have been recorded so far this year.
Cox emphasized the need for community cooperation in solving this case and preventing future incidents. The police department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
The festival, celebrating Dominican culture, had been a peaceful event until the shooting occurred. Organizers of the festival have not yet commented on the incident.
Local officials are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss safety measures for future public events in the wake of this shooting.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
This incident has raised concerns about public safety at large gatherings in the city, despite the overall downward trend in violent crime.
