UPDATE: Two People Shot, Several Injured During Daytona Beach Celebration
Thousands of people across the country defied social distancing rules to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend. While we saw tons of pool parties and other celebrations in different states, it looks like one function in Florida got pretty out of control.
RELATED: Maryland Bar Promotes Social Distancing With Inflatable Tubes As Tables
According to the Daily Mail, at least six people were injured after shots broke out at a Daytona, Florida event on Saturday. Gunfire erupted along the beachside road where more than 200 people were seen partying and dancing. Two people were shot and four were hit by shrapnel in the incident which happened in the evening at a 7-Eleven on South Atlantic Avenue.
Several other people were wounded and had to be taken to the hospital. However, it was noted that all of their injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said. While police have not nabbed the gunmen just yet, they did note that that the victims were not cooperating with the investigation. Daytona Beach police Chief Craig Capri said in a Saturday phone interview that the shooting appeared to be related to the Boardwalk-area crowd.
We've been on the beachside tonight helping out @DaytonaBchPD with large crowds and a shooting (non-life-threatening injuries) that's resolved by arrest. We appreciate everyone cooperating with us & helping us do our job. @SheriffChitwood says THANK YOU and stay safe.
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) May 24, 2020
“I know some people were really upset. I’m a little pissed off too about a lot of this too,” Daytona Beach police Chief Craig Capri said. “Let me tell you, we don’t take this lightly, especially with the crowds gathering together. Right now, we have the coronavirus still going around and people not practicing social distancing, but I’m not the social distancing police. That’s not my job.”
We've been on the beachside tonight helping out @DaytonaBchPD with large crowds and a shooting (non-life-threatening injuries) that's resolved by arrest. We appreciate everyone cooperating with us & helping us do our job. @SheriffChitwood says THANK YOU and stay safe.
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) May 24, 2020
Some people on social media called for arrests of beachgoers. They also want the promoters of the original event to be held accountable.
Coronavirus social distancing rules in Florida state that people must be in groups of 10 or fewer. As it was previously reported, Florida has reported more than 50,800 cases of COVID-19, and more than 2,230 deaths.
Press Play Below For More:
RELATED: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Warns Those Not Following Social Distancing Orders