Nine people shot. Two dead.
Those are among the latest casualties in Memphis’ ongoing war with gun violence. This time, it was an unsanctioned block party in Orange Mound where gunfire sent some people running for cover and others to the hospital.
Disturbing video from social media shows groups of young men waving guns in the air before the chaos ensued. Video from a dropped phone sounds like a war zone in Gaza or Ukraine, with the distinct chatter of automatic gunfire and screaming. This clip seems to catch the moment the gunfire started, followed by a stampede of people running for their lives:
Police are still searching for suspects, but the identities of the deceased have been confirmed:
Latest from MPD on mass shooting at block party from this weekend in Orange Mound. 22-year-old Chalmar Fason, and a 17-year-old male victim were killed. Seven others were injured including a 16-year-old girl. The latest on @3onyourside at noon.https://t.co/uqEHJFKOxR
— Zaneta Lowe (@wregzaneta) April 22, 2024
And based on reactions on social media, people are searching for . . . . answers? Meaning? Sense? Maybe all of that. But from elected officials to community leaders, everyone wants the violence to stop. In a statement, Althea Greene, Chair of the MCSC School Board, chimed in on the tragedy:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic mass shooting that happened in Orange Mound this past weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are deeply impacted by this tragedy. We echo the sentiments of our city and county leaders that we all must do our part to stop these senseless acts of violence and protect our young people and the future of this city.”
Prayers for our City. pic.twitter.com/SRkJW8slHJ
— City of Memphis (@CityOfMemphis) April 21, 2024
State Senator Antonio Parkinson, like many of us, is sending “thoughts and prayers” but says more action is needed to tighten up gun laws.
I’ve struggled with what to say about the Orange Mound mass shooting. It is expected for us to make a statement when these things happen. And…I’m still struggling with making a statement because I am truly at a loss for words. If we use fiery words like, “they will be brought…
— State Representative Antonio Parkinson (@TNRepParkinson) April 21, 2024
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson:
Our city is mourning a mass shooting in Memphis (Orange Mound),Tennessee. Two people have passed away & over a dozen have been injured. I’m mad. I’m devastated. I’m heartbroken. As a legislator, I’m not powerless. We aren’t powerless. We must fight for our beloved community.
— Justin J. Pearson (@Justinjpearson) April 21, 2024
State Sen. Raumesh Akbari:
Praying for the #OrangeMound community and our entire city. Such a senseless and foolish act of mass violence- lives lost and shattered and a community terrorized. I’m so angry. And sad. We’ve got to get these guns off our streets. We’ve got to get these folks that are… https://t.co/XFTmxGRsjd
— Senator Raumesh Akbari (@SenAkbari) April 21, 2024
The TSD will provide more coverage as this story develops.
