Four people were shot following a Louisiana high school graduation ceremony Thursday night. The victims all sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Fox News, at around 8 pm, as Hammond High School graduates and their loved ones were leaving the school’s graduation ceremony – held at Southeastern Louisiana State University – a gunman let off several rounds, hitting four people.
Tangipahoa Parish Schools Superintendent Melissa Stilley confirmed this in a late-night statement on Thursday, adding that the shots were fired off as graduates were reuniting with their families outside.
“We had a normal graduation for Hammond High School within the building. When our graduates were ready to dismiss, and the families were outside to greet them, outside the University Center, that’s when the shots began to fire,” Stilley said.
“What should have been a very happy occasion for our graduates and their families ended on such a sad note. We pray for the families that were impacted directly and our students who will always have this memory of this graduation on their minds,” she added.
Video footage posted to social media shows dozens of people screaming and running after the shots were fired.
According to Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron, it is not believed that any Hammond High School students were involved in the shooting. He also noted that no minors were hurt during the incident.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy offered his prayers to the victims in a statement following the shooting.
“Praying for the shooting victims and everyone affected by the violence outside Hammond High School’s graduation this evening,” he wrote on Twitter.
Praying for the shooting victims and everyone affected by the violence outside Hammond High School’s graduation this evening.
— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) May 20, 2022
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy also issued a statement, noting that he was monitoring the situation.
“A night to celebrate the achievements of young men and women of Hammond High School was disrupted by senseless violence. Monitoring the situation as more details become available and praying for the well-being of those injured.”
A night to celebrate the achievements of young men and women of Hammond High School was disrupted by senseless violence. Monitoring the situation as more details become available and praying for the well-being of those injured.
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) May 20, 2022
One suspect is currently in police custody, and authorities are investigating the shooting. Bergeron also asked people who recorded the event to share any videos that would aid in the investigation with the police.
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10 Killed, 3 Injured in Mass Shooting at Buffalo Supermarket
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/z1b
Kayla Koslosky has been the Editor of ChristianHeadlines.com since 2018. She has B.A. degrees in English and History and previously wrote for and was the managing editor of the Yellow Jacket newspaper. She has written on her blog since 2012 and has also contributed to IBelieve.com and Crosswalk.com.
