At least 12 people were injured in a shooting at a lakeside party near Oklahoma City on Sunday night, with police warning that the total number of victims could rise as more wounded individuals seek treatment on their own, authorities said.
The incident occurred just after 9 p.m. at a gathering near Arcadia Lake in Edmond, Oklahoma City, according to the Edmond Police Department. Officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire at what was described as a large party attended mostly by young adults.
Emergency Response
Emergency responders transported 10 victims to area hospitals in “various conditions,” police spokesperson Emily Ward said. Additional victims may have arrived at hospitals in private vehicles, raising concerns that the final tally of injured could increase.
No suspects were in custody as of Monday, and investigators were continuing to interview witnesses and victims across the metro area. Police said there was no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
Gun Violence
The shooting near Oklahoma City is among at least 131 mass shootings recorded in the United States so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Police said the suspects in Sunday night’s shooting are believed to be two men who were wearing ski masks when they opened fire.
Police initially said at least 10 victims were transported to hospitals in “various conditions,” but warned the number could increase as some people sought treatment on their own.
Authorities did not disclose the victims’ ages. Ward described the gathering as a “large party,” adding that many attendees appeared to be “young adults.”
Multiple witnesses and nearby residents posted on social media about heavy police presence in the area.
Arcadia Lake, is a popular picnic spot, is about 20 kms north of Oklahoma City. The gathering had been promoted on social media as a “Sunday Funday” event, drawing a large crowd to the area before the shooting erupted.
Law enforcement agencies, including Oklahoma City police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, assisted at the scene as investigators worked to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.
Authorities have not released details about possible motives or suspects, and the investigation remains active.
(With inputs from agencies)
