Six people were killed and 18 others were injured in three separate shootings at high school football homecoming events across Mississippi, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The deadliest attack happened around midnight on Friday in Leland, Washington County. Leland Mayor John Lee stated that four people were killed and at least 16 others were wounded. The shooting occurred on a main street where crowds had gathered after the local high school’s homecoming game.
Four of the injured were in critical condition and flown to a hospital in the state capital, Jackson. Twelve others were treated at local hospitals. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is leading the inquiry. As of Saturday afternoon, no suspects were in custody in connection with the Leland shooting.
In a separate incident about 200 miles away in Heidelberg, a shooting during another homecoming weekend left two people dead. Cornell White, the town’s police chief, confirmed the fatalities. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, a suspect is still at large, and an 18-year-old man is being sought for questioning.
A third shooting occurred Friday night in Rolling Fork at South Delta High School. The Sharkey County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that two people were injured in this incident. Two individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the Rolling Fork shooting.
The names of the victims from the attacks have not yet been released. “I just want to send our condolences to the families of the deceased and to all those who are being treated,” said Mayor Lee. “We need to be in prayer for our city.”
Investigations into the shootings in Leland and Heidelberg are ongoing.