Police are currently investigating a mass shooting in a Las Cruces park in New Mexico that took place on Friday, March 21. While local police have made no official confirmations, a Las Cruces city councilor stated that three people were killed and 16 were injured.
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According to a
statement issued by Las Cruces Police, police arrived at Young Park at around 10 p.m. Friday following several reports of gunfire. After arriving at the park's parking lot, police confirmed that several people were shot. Most were transported to local hospitals, including the University Medical Center of El Paso. No information regarding their current health status or the extent of their injuries has been made public.As per Las Cruces Police, the incident is currently being investigated in conjunction with New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The area surrounding Young Park is temporarily closed. Police have instructed people to not enter or travel to Young Park and its surroundings.
Hours after the initial report, Las Cruces Police requested help in identifying the shooters. They have asked for video footage that shows either the shooting or the suspects with their firearms. Video footage has surfaced online showing people fleeing from the scene as shots are fired. As per The New York Times, the shooting happened during a modified sports car gathering.
Dead And Injured
As previously stated, Las Cruces police have yet to confirm the exact number of victims. However, Johana Bencomo, Las Cruces city councilor took to Instagram to issue a statement. In the post's caption, Bencomo stated that three people were killed and 16 more were injured.
"Part of me wanted to write that this is something you never really think this is going to happen in your city, but that actually feels deeply untrue," Bencomo wrote. "As with all acts of gun violence in our city and beyond, my heart is broken for the victims and families impacted. This was a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning."
KTSM reports that a family at the scene believed that one of their relatives died during the shooting. The New York Times, meanwhile, reports that a journalist spotted two dead bodies on the ground.
