Detentions were not reported immediately, but police believe there were several shooters.
PITTSBURG – Two minors were killed and at least eight others were injured in a shooting at a home party in Pittsburgh early Sunday. police said.
The shooting took place at around 00:30 during a party in a short-term rental property, which gathered hundreds of people – the “vast majority” of them minors, told reporters Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert during a press conference at noon. Airbnb has confirmed that the property has been rented through its platform.
Shortly after the quarrel took place, shots were fired both inside and outside, “and possibly back and forth,” Schubert said. The shell casings found at the scene show that pistols and one rifle were used, and police believe there were several shooters, Schubert said.
According to police, two of the injured men died at the hospital, eight more are being treated for gunshot wounds. A police release initially said nine people were injured in the shelling, but Schubert revised the figures at a news conference. The names of the two dead boys were not named immediately.
Others were injured by jumping out of windows, falling off steps or simply trying to seek shelter or fleeing, Schubert said. The two who jumped out of the windows had broken bones, authorities said. One victim was injured after the car was “shot”, Schubert said.
ShotSpotter showed up more than 90 shots, “and we know there was a lot more between the design and the outside,” Schubert said. Arriving officers found a “very chaotic” scene with the victims, medics trying to help them, and people fleeing on foot and by car.
No detentions were reported immediately, but Schubert said “our top priority is to find out who did it and get them out of the street.” He said he could not comment on a possible motive, but challenged the number of illegal weapons and also the many people who have access to them, as well as the potent mix of alcohol, drugs and weapons.
“It hurts; Here we are at Easter, and we have a few families, two who don’t see a loved one, ”Schubert said.“ Others who will – how can you even relax if your child has been involved in something as traumatic as this ? “
Police processed evidence at eight separate crime scenes spanning several blocks around the scene of the shooting. Officials have asked everyone who has information, including videos or photos of people who were at the party, to send it to the authorities.
Allegheny General Health reported that seven people were treated at Allegheny General Hospital and one at Jefferson Hospital due to gunshot or other injuries. but officials declined to publish their terms or other information.
Neighbor Mitchell Wilston, 30, told the Associated Press that he and his wife were on the street at the time of the shooting, but before leaving saw an area filled with people, with cars parked incorrectly on the street and queuing near a rented home.
“It was so obvious that there would be a problem – there was a queue of 14-year-old children trying to get to this place,” he said. The house was previously rented for girls ’or other events, or for baseball players’ families because of the proximity to the stadium, but no problems arose, he said.
Airbnb cooperates with the authorities
Airbnb spokesman Ben Bright confirmed the house was rented through the company. He said the booker, who according to Airbnb rules had to be 18 and older, was given a life ban. Breit’s statement said the party was organized without the knowledge of the host, whose list banned the party and advertised a curfew for the night.
Bright said Airbnb is working with the authorities: “We share the outrage of the Pittsburgh community over this tragic gun violence. Our hearts remember all those who suffered, including the relatives of those who lost their lives, the victims and neighbors. “
In the morning, Wilston found his wife’s white car, stained with blood, possibly from someone who fled the shooting and tried to hide behind the car, he said.
“It is very, extremely unpleasant to see bullets being fired perpendicular to our house,” he said, adding that he could see bullet holes in the surrounding building from his desk and in another building from another window.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gaine condemned the violence, which he attributed in part to the inability to bring weapons out of the streets and provide adequate resources to communities. He said the city will convene a meeting with local leaders to get feedback on the new citywide approach to public safety.
“It is time for us to move forward with a sense of urgency to bring justice to the victims and peace in our city,” said Gaine, who is in isolation due to the recent COVID-19 infection.
