Nine teenagers in Texas were shot and injured at a prom after-party on Sunday morning.
The shooting took place at a huge post-prom party in Jasper County in East Texas, which was attended by an estimated 100-250 students.
Deputies from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office arrived at party being held at a private residence on County Road 263 around 2.30am on Sunday morning
The partygoers were all students at Jasper High School or Newton High School. None of the victims were named, but all were identified as being between the ages of 15 and 19.
The victims all had non-life threatening injuries. Eight were transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital, and at least one was transported to another facility in Beaumont for further treatment, the sheriff confirmed.
One victim was treated at the scene and did not go to the hospital.
The investigation is still in its early stages, Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman said on Sunday.
No suspects or motives about the shooting have been released yet, but the Jasper Police Department is investigating a possible link to another shooting that was reported the same night in the city of Jasper.
Authorities have identified a car that was seen at both locations, and are currently interviewing the occupants.
Sheriff Newton asked for the public’s help at this stage of the investigation.
‘We need all the help that we can get from people that were at the party,’ the sheriff said. ‘Come forward, come by the sheriff’s office and tell us what they seen or heard.’
John Seybold, the superintendent of Jasper Independent School District, said the school would work together with investigators to find the perpetrators.
‘There will be a much larger law enforcement presence this week to ensure student safety, as well as counselors on hand for any students who need their assistance,’ Seybold said.
The shooting comes only a week after a similar mass shooting occurred at a Sweet 16 party in Alabama, which left four dead and 32 injured.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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