At least six people were left injured from a shooting that took place on a beach in South Carolina on Friday, according to police.
A large crowd was gathered on the Isle of Palms beach who "apparently were part of the group from senior skip day," said Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett at a news briefing on Friday night. Police officers were already helping to break up a couple of fights on the beach when several shots were fired at around 5:20 p.m., according to police.
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“We know there was a fight that broke out and then a second fight that broke out," said Cornett. "While officers were dealing with those two incidents, that’s when the shooting started."
Two people had been arrested in relation to the shooting; a 16-year-old unlawful carry of a firearm and possession of a stolen fire alarm, and an 18-year-old charged with unlawful carry of a firearm, according to a press release the police department gave to the Washington Examiner. Police have not yet confirmed if either person had been involved in the shooting.
Cornett confirmed in a press briefing on Saturday that most of the victims are either 15 or 16-years-old, with one of the victims who was in her mid-30s. The Saturday press release from police states that one person is still hospitalized in stable condition, and the other five victims have been released with non-life threatening injuries.
So far, two pistols have been recovered from the beach, according to police.
A heightened police presence had already been implemented on the beach prior to the incident, due to many area schools being on spring break, the press release stated.
"It is heart-wrenching to hear of this senseless act of violence, especially so close to home," Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). "Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement officers for their rapid response and brave service."
It is heart-wrenching to hear of this senseless act of violence, especially so close to home. Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement officers for their rapid response and brave service. https://t.co/J4TNwnvM72
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) April 8, 2023
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The investigation into this shooting is ongoing.
Anyone with information or footage of the shooting should contact the police's tip line at (843) 529-3750. People can also visit the Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry website at www.5541111.com to submit an anonymous tip.