3 Kids Among 9 Injured In Florida Memorial Day Shooting In US

Three children among nine people have been injured in a shooting incident in Florida in the US.

Hollywood Police officers investigate at the shooting scene after an altercation ended in gunfire at Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Hollywood, Florida, United States

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Three children among nine poeple have been injured in a shooting incident during Memorial Day Celebrations in Florida in US, ending people frantically running for cover along the crowded beach. Several of the victims were taken to a children’s hospital, police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said. The nine victims included six adults and three children, according to Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System, news agency Associated Press reported. All of the victims were in stable condition, she said.

Police said the shooting happened shortly before 7 when a fight broke out, at least one gun was pulled and shots were fired. At least one person was in custody, but police were looking for more suspects.

Police Chief Chris O’Brien said there was a crow of  thousands in the area along with dozens of police officers, including some who were nearby.

“It’s unfortunate we have law-abiding citizens who come to our beaches and that gets interrupted by a group of criminals,” he said.

The shooting happened on the broadwalk near a convenience store, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream store and a Subway sandwich shop, the news agency reported.

Videos posted on Twitter on Monday evening showed emergency medical crews responding and providing aid to multiple injured people.

Alvie Carlton Scott III said he was on the beach when all of a sudden he heard numerous gunshots go off. He said he hid behind a tree and then fled the area after a police officer told people to run.

Jamie Ward, who was also on the broadwalk, told Associated Press that several young men were fighting in front of the stores when one pulled a gun and started shooting.

Police said there would be a heavy presence of officers as the investigation continues. Officials were also setting up an area for family members to reunite.

“Thank you to the good samaritans, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses for their immediate response to aid the victims of today’s shooting,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said in a statement.

Hollywood Beach is a popular beach destination about 11 miles (17 kilometers) south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Miami. The beach was expected to see more visitors than usual with the Memorial Day holiday.