Blacks Being Blacks!
By: Tommy “Tj” Sotomayor

6 injured in shooting near MLK and Locust following Juneteenth celebration

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee police responded to the scene of a shooting that injured six near MLK Drive and Locust Monday afternoon, June 19.

Officers swarmed the area near the Juneteenth event teen zone around 4:21 p.m., following the celebration.

During a press conference Monday evening, officials said four females and two males were injured in the incident, ranging in age from 14-19 years old. Chief Norman said the victims suffered a variety of injuries which are non-life threatening.

Authorities say the shooting stemmed from a fight between multiple young females on MLK Drive.

“They didn’t have to do this here at Juneteenth, people came out to have fun,” witness Taylor Smith said.

Milwaukee Police Chief Norman says a 17-year-old victim was the shooter, and officers continue to seek unknown suspects. He also encouraged the public to do their part to curb violence.

“Milwaukee, what is going on with our children? Parents, guardians, elders, we need to engage and make sure that the violence these children are bringing to the streets cease,” Norman said. “This is a serious situation that we all need to take hold of.”

Mayor Cavalier Johnson made it known the shooting occurred after Monday’s celebrations were officially over.

“I want for folks to know that Juneteenth was a safe event,” Johnson said. “It’s an event that has been growing, the number of vendors has been skyrocketing over the years. The number of people, participants in the parade, and the festivities otherwise has just been growing and growing over the years. I mean look — one person pulled out a gun and caused problems today after the festivities were over. Other than that, we had thousands and thousands and thousands of people here celebrating, bringing themselves together, and having a sense of community. That’s a powerful thing, that’s the true story about what this day is.”

Community members are also upset about the ongoing violence in the city, especially on a day like Juneteenth.

“Something got to give. It hurts my feelings because we’re supposed to be able to enjoy a day like this, but it hurt,” Milwaukee resident Shaquille Hunter said.

BREAKING: Huge police presence at MLK/Chambers, outside the Juneteenth teen zone. Multiple witnesses tell me there’s been a shooting with multiple victims. pic.twitter.com/0R4CYjNAEY

— A.J. Bayatpour (@AJBayatpour) June 19, 2023

Police expected to give an update on the shooting in about 10 minutes. We’re here at Police District 5 waiting for more information. pic.twitter.com/urxzdJtZKR

— Stephanie Rodriguez (@StephRodNews) June 19, 2023

Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.

Contributions to this story also made by: Stephanie Rodriguez