In a tragic incident following a homecoming football game in Mississippi, four individuals lost their lives and more than 20 were injured as gunfire erupted, according to officials.
The violence broke out around midnight Friday on Main Street in Leland, as stated by Mayor John Lee in an interview with The Post.
Lee, who has been in office since June, urged people worldwide for prayers for the community. “We solicit prayers for our community from people across the world that are hearing this information,” he said.
“We’re not a city known for high crime. Our crime rates are very low here. Everyone knows each other, and we have a good relationship. This event has left us devastated,” he added.
No suspects have been arrested or named so far.
Among the injured, four were transported via helicopter to local hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, although their current conditions remain undisclosed.
All victims were adults, many of whom were recent graduates of Leland High School who returned to celebrate their alma mater’s homecoming festivities.
This annual gathering typically attracts hundreds to the town, serving as a reunion for alumni who often invite college friends to join the celebration.
This year’s festivities had been described as “picture perfect,” showing no signs of the chaos that would ensue, according to school Superintendent Jessie King.
“We left there feeling accomplished after this event,” King told The Post.
“There were no signs, no warnings. The football game and the tailgate gathering were filled with good spirits and camaraderie,” King remarked.
As the tailgate activities at Leland High School concluded around 11 p.m., attendees transitioned to a community block party held in the center of town.
Suddenly, gunfire erupted, said Jennifer Buckner, who was at the celebration with her niece and friends.
The initial shots were quick and seemingly harmless, but a more sustained barrage followed shortly, leading to panic.
“It was about ten minutes of continual gunfire … It felt like an eternity before it stopped, and then chaos ensued,” Buckner recounted.
“We drove around trying to escape — there were bodies everywhere. It was horrific,” she added.
Officials have yet to clarify what may have motivated the shooting.
No suspects have been apprehended as of now.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is currently assisting in the ongoing inquiry.
An emotionally charged news conference held by federal, state, and local officials on Saturday revealed that numerous attendees felt insecure before the shooting occurred.
One attendee pointed out that she noticed several young men in the crowd who were not concealing their firearms effectively.
Specific updates on suspects or victims were not provided during the news conference.
Leland, located in Washington County, has a population of approximately 3,500 residents.
The late Johnie Cooks, a Super Bowl champion, was a former student at Leland High School before making his mark at Mississippi State and being drafted No. 2 overall by the Baltimore Colts in the 1982 NFL Draft.
This tragic shooting was the second of three that shook Mississippi on Friday, all linked to high school football events.
In Heidelberg, about 200 miles southwest, two people were killed and another injured when gunfire erupted after a football game.
One of the victims was an expectant mother, as reported in a statement from Governor Tate Reeves.
“Our state is praying for the victims and their families, along with the entire communities of Heidelberg and Leland. Those responsible will face justice,” Gov. Reeves concluded.
Additionally, a shooting occurred at South Delta High School in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, on Friday, which led to two arrests the following morning, according to local news reports.
— Additional reporting by Matt Ehalt
With Post Wires.
