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Nine people were injured Monday evening when gunfire erupted along a beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida, as people ran for cover near a crowded beach boardwalk on Memorial Day.
Preliminary investigations revealed that an altercation between two groups “resulted in gunfire,” said Hollywood Police Department spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi during a media briefing Monday. Authorities have not yet released the ages of the shooting victims or provided details about their conditions.
One person of interest was detained but police said they are searching for an additional suspect.
Police responded to reports of a shooting at 6:42 p.m. and found nine victims with gunshot wounds at the scene, according to Bettineschi. The nine victims were transported to Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital after receiving aid at the scene.
Videos posted on Twitter Monday night showed emergency medical crews responding and providing aid to multiple injured people. A live cam also showed people running from the scene.
The Hollywood Police Department said the investigation was ongoing and a heavy presence of officers were in the area near the beach boardwalk. Officials set up an area for family members to reunite.
Memorial Healthcare System spokesperson Yanet Obarrio Sanchez told NBC6 that up to five victims were being treated at Memorial Regional Hospital.
“It is a fluid situation,” Sanchez told NBC6.
Sanchez did not provide details on the victims’ conditions or ages but said “a couple of minors” were being treated.
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Witnesses describe shooting
Alvie Carlton Scott III said he was on the beach when all of a sudden he heard numerous gunshots go off, The Associated Press reported. He said he hid behind a tree and then fled the area after a police officer told people to run.
Jamie Ward, who was also on the broadwalk, said several young men were fighting in front of the stores when one pulled a gun and started shooting.
Hollywood Beach is a popular beach destination about 11 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles north of Miami. During the Memorial Day weekend, the beach was expected to see a high number of visitors.
Last month, licensing requirements to carry a concealed firearm in most public places were eliminated after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis quietly signed HB 543. The law, which goes into effect July 1, made Florida the 26th state to not require a concealed weapons license.
Contributing: James Call, Tallahassee Democrat; The Associated Press
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