LOWELL, MA – A violent altercation in a temple parking lot early Saturday morning resulted in one fatality and left two others injured in Lowell, Massachusetts, authorities reported.
The incident occurred shortly before 5 a.m. in the parking area of the ISSO Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Temple on Middlesex Street. Responding officers discovered three individuals with gunshot wounds, as detailed by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon.
A 43-year-old man from Lowell succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, while a 34-year-old man remains under medical care. A 26-year-old woman who sustained minor injuries managed to transport herself to the hospital.
Initial findings suggest a fight broke out among a group gathered in the parking lot, leading up to the shooting. Officials emphasized that the gathering was not associated with the temple’s activities.
No arrests have been made concerning the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities were seen marking evidence and interviewing individuals in the vicinity of a large tent set up in the parking lot.
Local residents expressed their shock and dismay over the tragedy. Wendy Porter, who frequents the area for birdwatching, commented on the unexpectedness of such violence in the neighborhood.
Another individual, whose vehicle was within the cordoned-off crime scene, recounted seeing two of the wounded lying on the ground prior to police arrival.
Temple attendees arriving for a scheduled all-day prayer event were met with the chaos of the scene. The temple had planned for the prayer session to start at 7:30 a.m.
Authorities, including state troopers from the District Attorney’s office, continue to assist the Lowell Police in their investigation.