TYLER, Texas (AP) – Five people were shot dead early Sunday during an outdoor event in East Texas that included a trail walk, according to authorities.
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said it received a call at 12:35 a.m. Sunday about several shooting victims in a large grazing area in the eastern part of the county. People took part in an annual tour sponsored by Unified Elite Riderzz of Marshall, Texas, nearby.
Authorities say witnesses told investigators that after a fight near a concert stage, one or more groups of rides began firing at the crowd.
After the initial shooting, some of the people at the event rushed to the security zone who had been collecting firearms from attendees and retrieved the weapons, the sheriff’s office said. Then a second and third shootout ensued.
Investigators believe all of the injuries occurred during the first shooting.
Four of the shots have been treated and discharged from hospitals in the area. One person remained hospitalized Sunday in critical but stable condition, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators continued to interview witnesses Sunday.
In a Facebook post, Unified Elite Riderzz said he “would like to send prayers to family and friends involved in last night’s incidents.”