According to police, A shooting erupted outside a church in Pittsburgh. On Friday, an explosion occurred near a funeral, injuring at least six people.
At a news conference Friday afternoon, Pittsburgh Police Commander Richard Ford states that one victim. Who initially reported in critical condition and is now in stable condition and five other people are being treated for injuries.
According to Ford, At least one of the victims is taken to the city’s Children’s Hospital in stable condition.
According to police, two “persons of interest” detain Friday night during the shooting. Authorities did not identify the people arrested or explain how they are thought to be connected to the shooting.
Special Agent Robert Cucinotta of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau told CNN. That agents “are on scene assisting the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police with this incident.”
Two ShotSpotter activations were reported to police shortly after noon on Friday. According to Ford, the first alert indicates five rounds are fired. The second alert said 15 matches were fired. Responding officers determined that the gunfire was heard outside the church. According to Ford, at least some of those shot were attending a funeral.
According to Ford, the incident “appears to be the result of a targeted shooting.”
“We do believe that there are people out there. Who will resort to violence with guns, which is a danger to anyone when that occurs,” Ford said.
Ford confirmed that multiple alleged shooters were involved in the incident but provided no additional information on potential suspects. According to Ford, the investigation is still ongoing, including a video review of the incident.
According to Ford, four of the six shooting victims drove themselves to nearby hospitals, while the other two were transported by ambulance. He declined to release their ages or additional identifying information because police were still notifying families.
Ford claims that all affect schools are informed that it is safe to dismiss the students.
Officials Seek Public Assistance
The Rev. Brenda Gregg, a senior pastor of Destiny of Faith Church, said Friday’s shooting was in her 30 years of pastoral ministry. It was “one of the most devastating days of [her] life.”
Gregg continued, “it was difficult to do a funeral for a young man. The work he did with his family put an end to what had happened in their lives. That people came to church and shotguns at people.”
Gregg said the church would continue its Halloween harvest event despite the shooting to unite the community.
“As we think about it, I think we’re stronger together, and we want to keep having those things in the community that makes sense, and that is a place for our children to come,” Gregg said.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey acknowledged that the victims’ community and families are in pain and that Friday’s shooting was unexpected.
“I could never have imagined it. “We would never shoot up holy ground,” Gainey said. “We will work around the clock to do whatever it takes to apprehend those who committed this heinous act today.”
Gainey urged members of the public to come forward with any information. It could help the police investigation and the community recover from the incident.
“We will get justice and healing if you work with us and talk to us,” Gainey said.
