ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Investigators remain at Pennsylvania Avenue near 4th Street where a mass shooting took place around 12:25 a.m. Saturday during what police say was a large backyard party.
Interim Rochester Police Chief Mark Simmons says officers arrived to find about 100 people running to and from the area between 4th and 6th streets off of Goodman Street.
Officers could see several people injured in the crowd. Simmons said the two people killed were a man and woman between 18 and 22. Fourteen others that were wounded remain in stable condition at Rochester General Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital.
“This is truly a tragedy of epic proportions if you ask me,” Simmons said.
In response to the shooting, five recreation centers have opened Saturday for the community to gather and grieve. They will be open until 5 p.m.
Rochester City Schools Superintendent Lesli Myers-Small responded to the shooting, stating the following on Twitter Saturday morning:
“I am heartbroken over last night's tragedy. I send my deepest condolences to the families of those we lost, and heartfelt prayers for those in recovery. Our Counselors will be at the R-Centers today to offer emotional support to our students.”
Simmons said this act has struck an already hurting community.
“For our community who is right now going through so much to be dealing with this tragedy needlessly — for people who decide to act in a violent manner is unfortunate and shameful,” Simmons said. “We’re going to do everything we can to put these people to justice.”
The news of the violence was pretty shocking for many in the neighborhood.
“[I was] very surprised. I don’t know. It’s a little overwhelming,” said Thomas O’Brien of Rochester. “I don’t know what to say”
There are no suspects in custody. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.