2 dead after mass shooting at Rochester park

Two people were killed and several others were injured during a mass shooting at a park in Rochester, New York on Sunday. Hundreds of people were attending a large gathering when all of a sudden, shots rang out and they began to run for their lives.

As of Monday morning, no arrests have been made. Authorities noted that it was still unclear just how many people were involved in the shooting, though it is believed "multiple weapons" were used.

According to Rochester First, the incident took place shortly after 6pm at Maplewood Park, about three miles northwest of downtown. Police were called to the area following reports that shots had been fired, and upon arrival, officers discovered seven people suffering from gunshot wounds.

They were all transported to a nearby hospital, many by their fellow attendees. While five suffered "relatively minor injuries" and are in stable condition, two passed away. The first to succumb to her injuries was 25-year-old Tyasia Manning, with 34-year-old Phylicia Council passing away hours later.

In a press conference, Rochester Police Chief David Smith explained that party-goers had been "having a good time" until someone "decided to pull out a gun for whatever reason." He said that investigators were "trying to work our way through as many witnesses as we can" to get to the bottom of what happened. He urged anyone with information to come forward, noting, "There were hundreds of people who were at this barbecue, therefore there are hundreds of people who have potential information.”

One witness who lived along the street bordering the park said that she saw "two kids ... with guns drawn" on her front porch. Another described the scene as "pure terror," with "people hiding behind cars, jumping [their] fence, crying."

As the Independent reports, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans called the shooters "cowards," and vowed that they would be "brought to justice." RPD is asking those with videos of the incident to send them to Major Crimes Section at (585) 428-7157, Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.