Seven individuals were shot after the Fourth of July fireworks show in Downtown St. Louis on Thursday night.
Marlen Sanchez, who attended the display, expressed relief and said, "We needed to get out of here because there's just way too many people. I'm so glad that we did that."
MASS SHOOTING: serious firepower seen here in this morning’s St. Louis bloodbath, resulting in seven victims: a 13-year-old, three 18-year-olds, a 20-year-old and two 23-year-olds. pic.twitter.com/cjiiXmvfFy
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) July 5, 2024
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This is what people experienced leaving the fireworks downtown on the 4th of July. Wonder how City Officials will try to spin this. Children and families were in the area when this was happening. Jeez. #CrimePlan pic.twitter.com/mSsF51gy0V
— Jane Dueker (@JaneDueker) July 5, 2024
According to the police, gunfire broke out around midnight. Four people were shot on 8th and Pine, and three others, including a 13-year-old, were shot on Chestnut Street.
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"It's a scary situation. I just can't believe it," said Sanchez, clearly shaken.
One of the 911 callers described watching the situation escalate from calm to a war zone.
Alderwoman Cara Spencer, representing the Ward 8 where the shooting occurred, criticized Mayor Tishaura Jones for the lack of communication about this mass shooting. Spencer believes the downtown area lacks sufficient police presence to keep it safe after hours.
"We have a 30% vacancy in our police department, and that's unacceptable," Spencer stated, demanding greater accountability from the city administration.
Wilford Pickney of STL's Office of Violence Prevention acknowledged the city's allocation of $3.6 million to youth programs, targeting those between the ages of 12 and 25. However, Pickney emphasized the need for more community organizations and engagement to effectively address violence in the city.
"This is a tragedy," Pickney lamented, while calling for an expanded support system and increased capacity-building efforts.
Alderwoman Cara Spencer, who aims to unseat Mayor Tishaura Jones, advocated for an open carry law in order to address aggressive and violent firearm possession.
"Most of the guns that we saw were long guns. They are not guns you can walk around with in your back pocket or your backpack. We need to take them out of the hands of those who wield them with aggression and violence," Spencer explained.
Mayor Tishaura Jones addressed the incident in a statement, expressing sympathy for the victims, their families, and the entire St. Louis community. She pointed to the proliferation of firearms on the streets as a primary concern and affirmed her support for the ongoing investigation led by Chief Robert Tracy and the SLMPD.
"What happened last night is a tragedy, and my heart goes out to all of the victims, their families, and the entire St. Louis community,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “The simple fact is this: there are too many guns on our streets. A small group of individuals with easy access to firearms have put a cloud over a day when thousands of residents got to enjoy their Fourth of July in downtown St. Louis safely. Chief Robert Tracy and the SLMPD have my full support as they conduct their investigation, and I encourage anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477)." - Mayor Tishaura Jones
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