A shooting incident occurred during the Boston Caribbean Carnival celebration in the city’s Dorchester neighborhood on Saturday morning, leaving seven people injured. The gunfire erupted near the intersection of Blue Hill Avenue and Talbot Avenue, just before 7:45 a.m. The victims were transported to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident took place on the outskirts of the parade route, during the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston’s J’ouvert parade. Boston police have arrested two individuals and recovered multiple firearms in connection with the shooting.
According to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, the shooting incident took place during the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston’s J’ouvert parade, but it was not related to the parade itself. Cox stated that it appeared to be a confrontation between two groups that led to the gunfire. As a result, the parade on Talbot Avenue was temporarily halted. However, the main Caribbean Carnival parade and the remaining events scheduled for the day would proceed as planned.
Shirley Shillingford, the president of the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston, expressed her disappointment at the incident, emphasizing that the festival aims to promote family-oriented and peaceful celebrations. Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden also condemned the violence, stating that the shooting should not define the cultural celebration. Boston City Council President Ed Flynn highlighted the urgency of addressing the gun violence crisis.
Boston police recovered multiple firearms at the scene and have arrested two individuals in connection with the shooting. The suspects’ identities have not been disclosed. Authorities are urging anyone with information or visual evidence related to the incident to contact Boston police detectives. Anonymous tips can also be provided through a dedicated hotline.
The shooting incident occurred near the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club, with one of their vans sustaining damage from gunshots and spray paint. Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy expressed her concern for the victims and gratitude towards the police and first responders. The incident has marred the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Boston Caribbean Carnival parade, which was set to take place later in the day.
The shooting incident at the Boston Caribbean Carnival celebration has left seven people injured in total, but their injuries are not life-threatening. Boston police have made arrests and recovered firearms in connection with the shooting.