Another Tragedy Amid Juneteenth Celebrations

What: Gunfire erupts at a free Juneteenth event in Round Rock, Texas, leaving two dead and 14 injured.

When: Saturday, 10:50 p.m.

Where: Old Settlers Park, Round Rock, Texas

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A joyful Juneteenth celebration in Texas ended in bloodshed as a shooting started around 10:50 p.m., Saturday, at Old Settlers Park, Round Rock. The event, which included a free concert by Paul Wall, was disrupted by a gunman, who opened fire, killing two and injuring 14 bystanders. The shooter, believed to be a man in his late teens with short dreadlocks, fled the scene and is still at large.

"I've accepted the fact that this is our norm, to be completely honest. And there are multiple points leading up until the day that I was thinking about what would my exit plan be.”
– Angela Carroll, shooting survivor, speaking to WFAA

Among the injured, taken to the hospital, were two children, with ages ranging from 10 to 52. As of Sunday evening, most had been released, and the rest were stable, expected to be discharged soon.

The victims of the fatal shooting were identified as Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, of Manor, and Ara Duke, 54, of Pflugerville.

Round Rock police had an operation plan in place with 22 law enforcement officers present and additional backup on standby. Yet, the shooting underscores the alarming frequency of public shootings and the constant sense of danger in what should have been a festive community gathering.

As investigations continue, anyone with information is urged to contact the police, with a $5,000 reward offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for information leading to an arrest.