ATLANTA, Georgia — A night of celebration in Piedmont Park turned tragic Saturday evening when gunfire erupted at an unpermitted gathering, leaving one teenage girl dead and another injured.
According to Atlanta police, officers responded to a call of a person shot on the west side of the park shortly after 9 p.m. They found a 16-year-old girl who had been shot; despite efforts by first responders, she died at the scene in the park. A 15-year-old girl was also shot in the shoulder. She was conscious when transported to Grady Hospital for treatment.
Police stated that the shooting occurred at an unpermitted gathering and emphasized there is currently no evidence linking the incident to the 404 Day festival, which had taken place on the other end of the park and ended more than an hour earlier.
Investigators are working to determine what led up to the shooting and are reviewing all available footage from inside the park. Details about the nature of the gathering, including the age groups involved, are still being clarified as authorities continue gathering information from multiple angles.
In a statement, 404 Day organizers expressed condolences, saying their hearts are with the families and everyone affected by the tragic events that occurred outside the event last evening. They added: “We want to reassure our community that every member of our team worked closely with our security and local authorities to keep our patrons safe.”
The park was reported to be very busy Saturday evening. Police were also asked about videos circulating online that appeared to show stampedes. Lieutenant Butler acknowledged awareness of a separate incident on Juniper Street, which authorities believe is unrelated to the shooting.
As of late Saturday night, no arrests had been made in connection with the shooting. Police have not released information on potential suspects.
The incident has left the community mourning the loss of a young life and seeking answers about the circumstances that led to the violence in a popular public space.
