What was meant to be a gathering of remembrance turned into a nightmare Friday night in Detroit when gunfire erupted outside a funeral repast, leaving two people dead and at least two others wounded.
According to multiple local reports, the shooting happened shortly before 8 p.m. on Feb. 27 in a parking lot on Sherwood Street near the J5 Legacy Event Center. Roughly 100 people had gathered for the post-funeral meal when chaos broke out.
Marcus Thirlkill of the Detroit Police Homicide Division said during a press conference that it remains unclear what led to the violence.
“It’s unknown what the individuals were doing outside, but once again, this was a repast, and most of the people here, we would presume that they knew each other,” Thirlkill said. “But once again, the reason for the shooting is still unknown at this time.”
The victims include a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s. Authorities have not released their names as families are still being notified.
At least two other individuals were injured, though officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
Investigators have also not shared details about a suspect or possible motive. The Detroit Police Homicide Task Force — working alongside the Michigan State Police, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — is leading the investigation.
Thirlkill acknowledged the deep pain facing the victims’ loved ones.
“The families remain in our prayers right now as we can’t imagine what they’re going through,” he said. “But the Detroit Police Department will be here for them throughout their grieving process.”
He also urged the public to avoid escalating conflicts.
“This is a tragic event for those who were attending this event, and unfortunately, someone chose gun violence to resolve a situation,” Thirlkill said. “We are asking people to resolve their conflicts in a peaceful manner. If you feel like you’re getting into a conflict with someone, just leave. Separate yourself from that situation. Leave. Contact any Detroit police station, any Detroit police officer, and we will come to assist.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Detroit Police Homicide Division at 1-800-SPEAKUP.
These people can’t even be at a funeral without creating chaos. They are just constantly violent everywhere they go.
They was fight’n over chicken wings like on Carnival Cruise Lines.
lol 😂