A dispute between two women outside an establishment in Savannah, Georgia, escalated into a mass shooting late Saturday, leaving 11 people injured, including 10 who were hit by gunfire.
Eleven people, including 10 who were hit by gunfire, were injured late Saturday when a dispute between two women erupted into a mass shooting in a busy tourist area of Savannah, Georgia.
The argument, which began inside an unnamed establishment, spilled over into Ellis Square in Savannah's historic district just before midnight, Police Chief Lenny Gunther said at a news conference.
"One shot rang out. That triggered other individuals to shoot," Gunther explained. "We had multiple individuals discharge their weapons to shoot at each other, which resulted in multiple people getting shot."
Investigators did not disclose what caused the 11th injury. Some victims were treated at the scene, while others were transported to the hospital, but all shooting victims are expected to recover.
The victims' ages ranged from 20 to 38 years old, and authorities stated that the shooting was not gang-related, according to local TV station WTOC.
The mass shooting was one of five shootings that occurred in the city over the weekend, including two that resulted in fatalities.
On Friday, the first two shootings in Savannah left non-life-threatening injuries and resulted in arrests. On Saturday, police discovered a deceased juvenile at a home after responding to a report of a home invasion. Initial reports suggest that gunfire erupted after a resident confronted an armed intruder.
Another shooting was reported at a Savannah intersection on Saturday night, leaving one man dead and a juvenile injured.
Mayor Van Johnson emphasized the role of gun proliferation in the shootings and called for sensible gun control laws. He also stressed the importance of responsible gun ownership, including proper weapon storage and training.
"We have to insist on smart gun laws," Johnson asserted at a Sunday news conference. "And then, on the other end, we have to insist that people act responsibly with those weapons."
The mass shooting occurred a week ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend, a time when tourism is high in the area. Police Chief Gunther sought to reassure the public that adequate staffing would be in place to ensure safety during the holiday.
Ellis Square, the location of the shooting, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It features a large fountain and a life-sized statue of songwriter Johnny Mercer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
