Nine gunned down in Hollywood Beach shooting ‘including children’ as terrified Memorial Day visitors flee in panic
TERRIFYING footage shows beachgoers running for their lives after nine people were struck in a barrage of gunfire, police said.
A shooting broke out during crowded Memorial Day celebrations in Hollywood Beach, Florida, after two groups got into an argument that turned violent.
While the ages of the victims remain unclear, police did confirm that several were transferred to a local children’s hospital.
Authorities are urging bystanders to stay away from the scene as they launch a desperate manhunt for a person of interest after one suspect was already arrested.
No deaths have been reported at this time.
Just before 7pm local time, terrified bystanders could be seen sprinting away from a popular restaurant in live camera footage obtained by The U.S. Sun.
One woman protected a small girl with her body after she stumbled in front of the mass of people rushing away from the danger.
Horrified witnesses shared videos of the chaotic aftermath on social media that appeared to show one victim being treated while they lay motionless in the sand.
Officials have shut down at least one road and set up a large perimeter as they work to investigate the scene, local reporters said.
Police are urging people to stay away from Hollywood Beach, specifically the boardwalk and the area from Johnson to Garfield Street.
“Our beach has millions of beachgoers a year. It’s a very popular and beautiful destination,” said Mayor Josh Levy, per the South Florida Sun Sentinal.
“This is a never before occurrence. Ordinarily it’s a peaceful beach.”
Police have set up a reunification center at Johnson Street and the North Ocean bus loop.
The beach is located about 11 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles north of Miami.
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