Shootings over the Halloween weekend in seven US states have killed at least 12 people and injured more than 60, NBC News reports. Polish media had earlier reported at least eight victims.
The most victims were recorded in Dallas, Texas. According to Police Chief Daniel Comeaux, four people were killed and about 15 were injured in three shootings in the Deep Ellum entertainment district. The Associated Press also reported the toll on Sunday, 1 November.
On Sunday morning, Dallas police held a press conference about „numerous overnight reports of gunfire” in the area.
What we know about Dallas
The incidents took place in three locations in Deep Ellum, east of the city centre. The neighbourhood has many music clubs, which had advertised Halloween parties for the night. CNN reports that the police chief said it was not clear whether the shootings took place inside venues or on the street. He added that police had increased staffing in anticipation of Halloween crowds, and that no officers were injured.
Preliminary findings indicate the shootings were not connected, Comeaux said, as quoted by NBC News and ABC News. He cautioned that investigators are still checking this. According to ABC, one person was detained and at least one shooter was being sought. NBC said the detained person was taken to the station for questioning and that „multiple firearms” were secured. The detainee is currently a suspect, not a defendant.
Other states
NBC News reports that the toll of 12 dead and more than 60 injured covers incidents in seven states. One of them was a shooting after the Alabama State – Alabama A&M football game, which was attended by nearly 70,000 fans; according to the headline of NBC’s report, one person was killed there and eight were injured. The circumstances remained unclear, and police are investigating. ABC News also mentions a „targeted” shooting at a Halloween accessories store in California, in which, according to the headline, one person was killed and six were injured.
Reactions and the safety debate
The Dallas Morning News writes that the shootings fit into a long-running problem of violence in Deep Ellum, which has prompted authorities to increase patrols and launch safety programmes. Councilman Jesse Moreno, in whose district the neighbourhood lies, asked for a meeting with the police chief and the city manager. Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn called for a „comprehensive review” of police planning for Halloween. City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
What it means
For readers in Poland, this is above all information about the scale of the events: the death toll may still rise, as the injured are counted in the dozens. People planning to travel to Texas should follow announcements from local police. As of publication, the identities of the victims and the motives of the perpetrators have not been disclosed.
