In a tragic turn of events, the festivities of the Juneteenth Festival in Milwaukee were abruptly overshadowed by a shooting involving teenagers aged 14 to 19. The incident, which unfolded on Monday shortly after 4:20 p.m., left six teens wounded.
According to police reports, the victims comprised four girls aged 14, 16, 17, and 18, and two boys aged 17 and 19. Despite the shocking occurrence, none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Police are investigating the incident, and early findings suggest one of the wounded 17-year-old boys may also have been a perpetrator in the event. Chief Jeffrey Norman stated that the unfortunate incident seemed to have been sparked by a dispute among the teenagers.
Chief Norman expressed his shock at the occurrence, citing that he had never witnessed such violence at previous Juneteenth celebrations. He urged the community to be vigilant, urging parents to ensure that their children were not in possession of dangerous weapons, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety in their homes and neighborhoods.
This incident is a sobering reminder of the escalating crime rates among teenagers in Milwaukee. Police data reveal that the city witnessed an alarming rise in the number of fatal shootings involving children. Twenty-two minors lost their lives to gun violence last year, a concerning increase from the 17 reported in 2021.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson weighed in on the situation, expressing his concern over the easy access young people have to firearms.