Two individuals have been apprehended following a shooting that resulted in the injury of at least eight people during the annual Caribbean Carnival in Boston on Saturday morning.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox clarified during a press conference on Saturday afternoon that the shooting was unrelated to the Caribbean parade itself, dispelling any connection to the festivities.
Cox stated, “This morning’s shooting is not related to the parade that occurred, since it happened on the outskirts of it. Very early in the investigation but it seems to potentially be maybe two groups having some type of altercation.”
The incident unfolded during the J’ouvert Parade, which marks the commencement of the annual Caribbean Carnival in Boston at 6:30 a.m. The primary Caribbean Carnival parade was scheduled for 1 p.m.
Upon receiving reports of multiple individuals being shot around 7:43 a.m., officers from the Boston Police Department swiftly responded to the scene at Blue Hill Avenue and Talbot Avenue.
Seven victims were found with gunshot wounds and were transported to local medical facilities. Thankfully, their injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, according to police statements.
One additional victim may have sustained a graze wound, as per Commissioner Cox, who acknowledged the possibility of more victims emerging as the investigation progresses.
To facilitate the collection of evidence, law enforcement temporarily halted the parade, but the remainder of the day’s planned festivities will proceed as scheduled, Cox affirmed.
Several firearms were seized from the scene, leading to the arrest of two suspects. It remains unclear whether the police are actively seeking additional suspects.
Mayor Michelle Wu took a moment to emphasize the significance of cultural events like the Caribbean Carnival and urged against attributing the violence to the Caribbean community. She expressed her sentiments during the press briefing, stating, “It’s always just heart-wrenching to hear that a treasured community event has been disrupted by acts of violence from those who had nothing to do with the event… And there’s no, absolutely no excuse, for something that is open to the community and part of Boston’s culture and heritage to be talked about in this way because of the acts that were introduced.”
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Police are encouraging anyone who possesses information pertinent to the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
