FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – A 3-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being shot at a birthday party Sunday afternoon in the Riverland Park area, near the 900 block of Southwest 27th Avenue.
Police and fire rescue crews rushed to the scene around 4:30 p.m. following reports of the shooting. The toddler, whose identity has been withheld, was quickly transported to Broward Health Medical Center with critical injuries and later pronounced dead.
The incident left party decorations, food, and drinks scattered around the site, a somber reminder of the celebration that turned tragic. The community is in shock, as expressed by local residents. “We all got to get together and pray for this violence to stop, killing innocent little kids at parties and and just sitting out in their cars,” said Millie Charles, a local resident. “It’s just terrible,” she added.
Joan Gooding, another resident who has experienced similar loss, shared her condolences, “It’s very sad…my heart goes out to the mother because I lost a child, so I know how it feels.”
As of now, the Fort Lauderdale Police have not released specifics regarding the lead-up to the shooting or potential suspects. An ongoing investigation is in place and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
This incident has deeply affected the community, prompting calls for action to prevent such tragedies in the future.