BREAKING: Mass shooting at block party in South Baltimore housing complex leaves 2 dead, 28 injured — including 14 children

Two individuals lost their lives and as many as 30 people sustained gunshot wounds during a mass shooting that occurred in the early morning of July 2 at Brooklyn Homes, a housing residency in South Baltimore. The Baltimore Police Department is currently in pursuit of the shooters, as investigators are working to bring them to justice.

Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Rich Worley held a press conference shortly after 5 a.m. to provide updates on the incident. According to Worley, the police received numerous calls just after 12:30 a.m. reporting a mass shooting in the 800 block of Gretna Court, where a block party was underway. Witnesses in the area stated that a large gathering was taking place before they heard what initially sounded like fireworks, later realizing they were gunshots. Shockingly, the police were unaware of the unsanctioned event until the early hours of Saturday.

Per 11 WBAL, an 18-year-old woman was discovered deceased at the scene, while nine others were rushed to nearby hospitals. An additional 20 victims, aged between 13 and 32, made their own way to hospitals across the region. Among the injured, 14 were minors. A 20-year-old man also succumbed to his injuries, and three individuals remain in critical condition.

The University of Maryland Medical System confirmed that it received patients at both Shock Trauma and the University of Maryland Medical Center's Pediatric Emergency Department. Likewise, MedStar reported receiving several patients at Harbor Hospital, some of whom were subsequently transferred to trauma centers. Fortunately, some patients have been treated and discharged.

As the investigation continues, Commissioner Worley emphasized that no suspects are currently in custody. Authorities are reviewing available video footage and interviewing witnesses in an attempt to identify at least two individuals believed to be involved in the shooting. Worley revealed during an afternoon news conference, "We do know more than one person was shooting. We don't know if they were targeted (shootings) or whether they were shooting indiscriminately up the street."

While law enforcement seeks additional evidence, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward. Expressing his grief, Scott stated, "This is an absolute tragedy that did not have to happen... Treat this as if it was your family and how you would want people to treat it as if you were mourning, as if this were an event happening in your community."

Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact 911 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is supporting the Baltimore Police Department in the investigation, with special agents, K-9 units, and task force officers actively involved.

The mayor's office released a statement: 

"In the early morning hours of July 2, a horrific mass shooting occurred at Brooklyn Homes in south Baltimore. At this time, two people have been killed and 28 others injured, leaving three people in critical condition. My heart is with those who lost their lives, all those who are now battling injuries, and their loved ones. This community should also know that they have our wholehearted support during this unimaginably difficult time. This act of violence has shaken our city to the very core, and we are all grappling with the shock, pain, and trauma that accompanies such a heinous act of destruction.

"This investigation is ongoing, and we will not rest until the people responsible are held accountable. This tragedy again shows why we must continue to focus on the amount of illegal guns on our streets that make it into the hands of individuals who should not have them and continuously carry out violent acts in our city. There must be accountability at each level of the illegal gun trade from those using them, those trafficking them to those who manufacture them in ways they know will lead to violence. I'm asking that anyone who has information on who committed this cowardly, violent act to come forward and help us secure justice for the Brooklyn community.