Tragic Shooting at South Carolina Juneteenth Celebration Leaves 1 Dead, 10 Injured

A tragic shooting marred a Juneteenth celebration in Anderson County, South Carolina, leaving one person dead and at least 10 others wounded. The violence erupted Saturday night in the parking lot of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post, where hundreds had gathered to commemorate the county’s sixth annual Juneteenth event, marking the end of slavery in the United States.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office reported that a fight in the parking lot escalated into gunfire, turning a joyous occasion into a scene of chaos. One victim was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital, while eight others were rushed to local hospitals in Anderson and Greenville. The aftermath left streets littered with shoes and debris as panicked attendees fled.

Over 50 law enforcement officers, EMS, firefighters, state troopers, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources personnel descended on what officials described as a “chaotic scene.” The investigation remains active, with deputies and detectives working to unravel the circumstances that led to this devastating outbreak of violence.

This incident casts a shadow over a day meant to celebrate freedom and resilience, raising urgent questions about community safety and the persistent challenge of gun violence in public spaces.