A block party on Detroit’s east side turned deadly on Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to more than a dozen others. According to Michigan State Police, this tragic incident is the latest in a series of firearm-related violence across the nation.

Deadly Incident at Block Party

The shooting occurred during a block party, and initial reports from the Detroit Police Department indicated that 19 people were injured. Among the fatalities were a 20-year-old woman who was shot in the head and a 21-year-old man who was shot in the back. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. A 17-year-old girl remains in critical condition, while 13 others are in serious condition, and three are stable, according to WDIV-TV.

Authorities have not yet apprehended any suspects. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed his concern over the rising violence at block parties in the city, highlighting the risks faced by young people and innocent bystanders every weekend. He and Police Chief James White plan to address this spike in violence and outline their response strategy at a press briefing.

Community Leaders Respond to Violence

City Councilman Scott Benson, who lives near the site of the shooting, expressed his shock and dismay over the incident. He questioned why individuals felt the need to bring firearms to a community event. “Phone, keys, gun? Why is the gun on the list?” he lamented, emphasizing the urgent need to curb the violence. George Preston, President of the Mohican Regent Homeowners Association, also expressed his heartbreak over the loss of life. He plans to engage with community members to discuss the violence and explore possible solutions to prevent such incidents in the future. Michigan State Police are assisting the Detroit Police Department with the investigation and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Nationwide Surge in Fourth of July Shootings

The Detroit shooting is part of a broader trend of increased violence during the summer months, particularly around the Fourth of July. Criminologist James Alan Fox from Northeastern University notes that the holiday often sees the highest levels of violence each year.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks gun-related incidents, there have been numerous mass shootings across the country since the Fourth of July. A mass shooting is defined as an incident where a minimum of four victims, excluding the suspect, are injured or killed by gunfire. The latest data from the Gun Violence Archive indicates that at least 16 people have been killed and 167 injured in various shootings nationwide.

One particularly tragic incident occurred in Florence, Kentucky, where a shooting at a 21st birthday party left four people dead and three injured. In Chicago, a series of unrelated shootings following the Fourth of July celebrations resulted in multiple injuries, with the largest incident occurring at 12:15 a.m. on Friday, where eight people were wounded during an exchange of gunfire