Juneteenth Celebration in Milwaukee Marred by Shooting, Six Teens Injured

Created: JANUARY 21, 2025

Following a Juneteenth celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, six teenagers were injured in a shooting incident. Thousands had gathered for a block party on North Martin Luther King Drive when an altercation, reportedly between several young women, escalated. The ensuing gunfire resulted in injuries to four female and two male victims, aged 14 to 19. All were transported to a hospital for medical attention.

Online video footage appears to show the moments preceding the shooting, depicting a physical confrontation among several girls before a teenager brandishes a firearm and discharges multiple rounds. Mayor Cavalier Johnson addressed the incident in a press conference, condemning the presence of firearms in the hands of young people and labeling it "completely and totally unacceptable."

Milwaukee crime scene

The mayor emphasized the stark contrast between the earlier celebratory atmosphere and the subsequent violence, highlighting the community spirit that had been present moments before. He expressed concern for the families and children who had been in attendance and urged individuals prone to anger and carrying firearms to seek help and avoid such gatherings.

Mayor Johnson stressed the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, lamenting the increasing tendency to resort to gun violence. He called for a return to a time when disagreements were settled without resorting to firearms and emphasized the need for this pattern of violence to end.

Police Chief Jeffrey Norman confirmed the timing of the incident, stating that it occurred shortly after the Juneteenth event concluded. He appealed to parents, guardians, and community elders to intervene and address the issue of youth violence and firearm possession. Chief Norman also revealed that a 17-year-old male injured in the incident is believed to be one of the shooters, and that the search for additional suspects is ongoing.

Milwaukee Police badge

The police department encouraged the community to find better ways to handle disputes without resorting to firearms and requested anyone with information about the incident to contact them. The investigation remains active.

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