Gunfire Interrupts Vigil For Texas Mass Shooting Victim

Authorities continued searching for a gunman who killed two people and injured 12 at a Texas A&M University-Commerce homecoming party in Greenville.
LOADINGERROR LOADING

A vigil for one of two men killed in a mass shooting over the weekend at a Texas college homecoming party was interrupted by gunfire on Sunday night.

People who gathered at a Dallas park to remember 23-year-old Kevin Berry heard multiple shots around 8 p.m., sending mourners running for cover, according to local reports. No one was hit, but several vehicles were damaged.

Chilling video taken by a local reporter captured some of the gunfire as people screamed in the distance. KXAS-TV, a local NBC affiliate, reported that its news vehicle was hit by several shots.

Dallas police made no arrests. An investigation is ongoing, a police spokesperson said.

***BREAKING***

Following Kevin Berry’s vigil, a shootout happened in the parking lot of St. Augustine Park.

Everyone scattered. My photographer and I headed for the trees and took cover.

I took video once I got safe. We heard DOZENS of gunshots. pic.twitter.com/XDlFTGHemc

— Matt Howerton (@HowertonNews) October 28, 2019

Authorities announced Monday that they had arrested 23-year-old Brandon Ray Gonzalez for Saturday’s attack at a party celebrating Texas A&M University-Commerce’s homecoming. A motive has not been released.

In addition to the two deaths, a dozen people were injured as a result of the shooting, including eight who were shot. The remaining injuries were sustained during attempts to escape, Sgt. Jeff Haines of the Hunt County Sheriff’s Department told HuffPost on Monday.

Four of the shooting victims were reported in critical condition on Sunday. The university said four students wounded in the attack have been released from hospitals.

Active shooting at a vigil tonight for one of the #TexasAMCommerce victims. As the vigil wrapped up, people began shooting. Multiple shots. Our news unit was hit at least 3 times. I have not seen anyone injured. It’s possible some took themselves to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/w9GRxNDKlV

— Diana Zoga (@DianaNBC5) October 28, 2019

Authorities said more than 750 people were attending the off-campus party in Greenville, not part of the school’s sanctioned homecoming festivities, when a man armed with a handgun entered the building and opened fire just before midnight.

The shooter initially chose his targets, investigators said, but eventually began shooting people at random.

Here’s a look at the building where the homecoming party was being held. pic.twitter.com/u7FmkJGrwv

— J.D. Miles (@jdmiles11) October 27, 2019

“It was complete chaos as people fled for safety and deputies attempted to locate the shooter,” Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks said at a news conference on Sunday. Adding to the confusion, he said, some witnesses have not cooperated with authorities.

“It appalls me that as many folks were there, have not been able to give us a better description of this shooter,” the sheriff said.

Go Ad-Free — And Protect The Free Press

The next four years will change America forever. But HuffPost won't back down when it comes to providing free and impartial journalism.

For the first time, we're offering an ad-free experience to qualifying contributors who support our fearless newsroom. We hope you'll join us.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again. We won't back down from our mission of providing free, fair news during this critical moment. But we can't do it without you.

For the first time, we're offering an ad-free experience to qualifying contributors who support our fearless journalism. We hope you'll join us.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again. We won't back down from our mission of providing free, fair news during this critical moment. But we can't do it without you.

For the first time, we're offering an ad-free experience to qualifying contributors who support our fearless journalism. We hope you'll join us.

Support HuffPost

This article has been updated to reflect a spokesperson for the sheriff’s count of those injured as a result of the shooting. It has also been updated following the arrest of a shooting suspect.

Close

What's Hot