At least six people were killed and dozens injured in shootings across US nightlife districts over the Halloween weekend, officials said. The violence included incidents in Dallas and in college communities in Arkansas, Alabama, Delaware and Illinois, with investigators still working to establish the circumstances of several shootings.
Dallas recorded the highest death toll, with four people killed and 15 wounded in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, known for its music venues, restaurants and nightlife. Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said three shootings occurred within roughly an hour and 15 minutes on Saturday night. Investigators had not determined whether the incidents were connected or what prompted them. Comeaux said arrests had been made but did not give a number or identify the charges. Police had increased their presence in the district before the violence, and no officers were hurt.
In Birmingham, Alabama, two shootings outside Legion Field on Saturday night killed one person and wounded eight after the annual Magic City Classic football game, Mayor Randall Woodfin said Sunday. Fire officials said two of the wounded remained in critical condition. Nearly 70,000 spectators had attended the game between longtime rivals Alabama State and Alabama A&M, which Alabama A&M won 31-28. The teams' annual matchup has been played for more than a century.
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said most spectators and families had already departed the stadium property. The first shooting took place nearby along Graymont Avenue, where vendors had set up. Authorities had not clarified the circumstances of either shooting or which location accounted for the death. Police spokesperson De'Rell Freeman said one person had been detained and multiple weapons recovered.
Six people were shot late Saturday near the University of Delaware campus in Newark, police Lt. Greg D’Elia said. All were taken to hospitals, but information about their conditions was unavailable. Social media video showed people fleeing the area, and police closed part of Main Street for several hours. A university spokesperson said investigation updates would be posted online as they became available.
In Bloomington, Illinois, a shooting near Illinois Wesleyan University early Sunday killed a 19-year-old woman and left another woman critically injured. Six additional people suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening, though the nature of those injuries was unknown. Bloomington is approximately 135 miles southwest of Chicago.
Another six people were hospitalized with gunshot wounds after a shooting early Sunday near the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Police said preliminary findings indicated an altercation occurred before the gunfire. No arrests had been made.
Separate shootings at Spirit Halloween stores in California and Michigan killed two people on Friday. In Fairfield, California, police described a shooting inside the store as a targeted attack. A 31-year-old woman died, and relatives told police she was pregnant. Six other people were wounded, and no arrests were immediately reported.
In Madison Heights, Michigan, north of Detroit, a 21-year-old man was fatally shot Friday afternoon. Police said bystanders assaulted a man while officers were taking him into custody. He was hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.
