ROUND ROCK, TX – A Juneteenth celebration turned tragic Saturday night when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. at Old Settler’s Park, where the annual festival was taking place.
Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks addressed the media, expressing deep sorrow over the event. “It’s heartbreaking to see families who came out to enjoy their evening now facing such a devastating situation,” Banks said. “Our mission is to find those responsible and ensure they face justice.”
Emergency responders rushed at least six people, including four adults and two children, to local hospitals with serious injuries. The Austin-Travis County EMS confirmed the severity of the injuries and the swift medical response.
The chaos began when two groups started arguing near the vendor area. The confrontation escalated, leading to at least one individual drawing a firearm and opening fire. Authorities are still piecing together the sequence of events and have not released a suspect description due to conflicting witness accounts.
Police officers and firefighters on duty at the event quickly intervened, providing critical first aid to the injured, including applying tourniquets and performing CPR. Despite their efforts, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of the violence.
Scheduled activities at the park for Sunday morning were canceled, though officials hope to resume festivities by the afternoon for Father’s Day. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.