Police respond to a shooting near the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Hollywood, Fla., Monday evening, May 29, 2023._Credit: Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP
Police have stated that the gunfire that occurred on Memorial Day at the crowded beach was a result of an altercation between two groups.
HOLLYWOOD, Florida– Gunfire broke out along a beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida on Memorial Day, resulting in nine people being injured.
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The incident caused a frantic scene as people on the crowded beach ran for cover.
Some of the injured individuals, including children, were transported to a nearby children’s hospital for medical treatment, according to police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi.
According to Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System, the nine victims of the beach boardwalk shooting in Hollywood, Florida, consisted of six adults and three children.
Fortunately, all of the victims were reported to be in stable condition, indicating a positive outlook for their recovery.
According to police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi, the shooting incident on the beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida, resulted in four children (ages 1 to 17) and five adults (ages 25 to 65) being injured. One of the victims underwent surgery, while the others were in stable condition. It was not immediately clear how the 17-year-old was classified by the hospital.
Reports of a shooting this evening on Hollywood Beach. This is what a live cam saw at 6:41 PM
CBS says at least 7 people shot, per preliminary reports. Hollywood PD urging public to avoid area between Johnson and Garfield Street due to an investigation https://t.co/ezSkQWtjIv pic.twitter.com/UP1Xno5fL6
— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) May 30, 2023
The shooting occurred shortly before 7 PM, following a fight where at least one person produced a gun and fired shots.
While one individual was taken into custody, the police were actively searching for additional suspects.
Police Chief Chris O’Brien mentioned the presence of thousands of people in the area, with several police officers, including some who were nearby, responding to the incident.
“It’s unfortunate we have law-abiding citizens who come to our beaches and that gets interrupted by a group of criminals,” he said.
The shooting incident took place on the broadwalk in close proximity to a convenience store, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop, and a Subway sandwich shop. Witnesses at the scene described the chaotic situation that unfolded during the incident.
Alvie Carlton Scott III, who was present on the beach, recalled hearing multiple gunshots and immediately seeking shelter behind a tree.
After a police officer instructed people to flee, Scott quickly left the area to ensure his safety.
Jamie Ward, another individual who was on the broadwalk, reported that a confrontation between several young men escalated, leading one of them to brandish a gun and open fire.
Videos shared on Twitter captured the aftermath of the shooting, showing emergency medical crews arriving at the scene and providing assistance to multiple injured individuals.
As the investigation into the shooting incident continued, law enforcement authorities assured the public of an increased presence of police officers in the area.
Additionally, officials were in the process of establishing a designated area for family members to reunite with their loved ones.
Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy expressed gratitude to the individuals who rendered assistance during the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
He specifically thanked the good samaritans, paramedics, police officers, and emergency room personnel for their prompt response in aiding the victims.
Hollywood Beach, situated approximately 11 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles north of Miami, is a popular destination known for its sandy shores.
With the Memorial Day holiday, it was anticipated that the beach would attract more visitors than usual.
