by the associated press: Nine people were wounded Monday evening in a shooting on a beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida, as people scrambled to take shelter on a crowded beach on Memorial Day.
Police spokeswoman Dianna Bettineschi said several victims were taken to a children’s hospital. However, the authorities are yet to release the ages of the victims.
The nine victims included six adults and three children, according to Memorial Healthcare System spokeswoman Yanet Obario Sanchez. The condition of all the victims is stable, he said.
Police said that preliminary investigation revealed that a dispute between two groups led to the firing. One has been detained and search is on for another.
The shooting happened around 6:30 a.m. on Broadwalk near a convenience store, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream store, and a Subway sandwich shop.
Alvie Carlton Scott III said he was on the beach when he suddenly heard multiple gunshots. He said he hid behind a tree and fled after a police officer told people to run away.
Jamie Ward, who was on Broadwalk, said several youths were fighting in front of stores when one pulled out a gun and began shooting.
Videos posted to Twitter on Monday evening showed emergency medical workers responding and providing aid to several injured people.
Police said a large number of officers will be present as the investigation continues. Officials were also setting up an area for family members to reunite.
“Thank you to the kind people, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses for their immediate response to aid the victims of today’s shooting,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said in a statement.
Hollywood Beach is a popular beach destination approximately 17 km south of Fort Lauderdale and 32 km north of Miami. The beach was expected to see more visitors than usual with the Memorial Day holiday.