Authorities have identified the two victims who lost their lives in a mass shooting that occurred during a Juneteenth celebration in an Austin, Texas, suburb. The victims have been named as 33-year-old Lyndsey Vicknair of Manor and 54-year-old Ara Durk of Pflugerville, according to the Round Rock Police Department.
The shooting took place at Old Settler’s Park following an altercation between two groups, resulting in the tragic deaths of the two victims and injuries to more than a dozen individuals, with ages ranging from 10 to 62.
Upon receiving the distress call at around 10:50 p.m., police officers and fire department personnel at the event promptly administered emergency medical aid to the wounded before transporting them to hospitals. Fortunately, most of the injured individuals have been discharged, while those remaining are in stable condition and are expected to be released in the coming days.
Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and the injuries sustained by others in the violent incident. He extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and affirmed the department's unwavering commitment to ensuring community safety and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The suspect, described as a Black male with a thin build, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall with short dreadlocks, remains at large. Authorities have identified him as a 19 to 20-year-old individual who should be considered armed and dangerous. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the suspect's arrest.
Meanwhile, separate shooting incidents unfolded in other parts of the U.S. over the weekend, with six individuals shot in a residential neighborhood in Lathrup Village, a Detroit suburb, and seven people injured at a party in Methuen, Massachusetts.