The mayor of Rochester, New York, called for people to stay calm after a mass shooting left two people dead and 14 others injured early Saturday morning.
Local outlet Democrat and Chronicle reported that a man and a woman were both killed in the shooting, which took place in the Marketview Heights neighborhood of Rochester.
A tweet by the Rochester Police Department indicated that the shooting took place about 30 minutes after midnight. The names of the two people killed have yet to be released.
At about 1230 am 16 people were shot while outside @ a house party on Pennsylvania Ave. 2 victims suffered fatal wounds. In addition to the 16 shot, 2 suffered injuries while attempting to flee the gunfire.
— RPD Major Crimes Unit (@RPD_MCU) September 19, 2020
In an early morning press briefing, according to CNN, the two people who were killed were between 18 and 22 years old. Acting Rochester Police Chief Mark Simmons vowed to bring the shooter to justice.
"I mean 16 victims is unheard of, and for our community, who's right now going through so much, to have to be dealt with this tragedy, needlessly, for people who decide to act in a violent manner is unfortunate and shameful, and we're going to do everything that we can as a department to bring those people involved to justice," he said in a statement, reported by Democrat and Chronicle.
In her statement, reported by Rochester First, Mayor Lovely Warren said that local police were looking into the shooting, and the "Pathways to Peace" team were also on the scene. "I'm asking the community for prayers and support for all involved. This tragic act of violence has impacted many people's lives and families. I'm begging everyone to remain calm and exercise deep restraint as RPD investigates what happened here and seeks those responsible. As soon as additional information is available the police department will provide updates on this matter. Please keep our city in your continual prayers," she said.
Simmons was appointed as acting police chief only five days ago. He replaced Chief La'Ron Singletary, who was fired following protests that began following the release of body cam footage of Daniel Prude's death.
The early Saturday morning shooting in Rochester occurred in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Stage four reopening began on July 3, but many non-essential gatherings have been banned.
"This is yet another tragedy where individuals are having these illegal and unsanctioned house parties taking place in these properties," the chief said, according to Democrat and Chronicle.
Contacts for the Rochester mayor's office and police chief did not respond to Newsweek's emailed request for comment in time for publication.
