LANDOVER, MD – Three individuals were victims of a shooting incident as they departed a funeral service in Maryland on Friday, according to local law enforcement. The Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed that the injuries sustained were not fatal.
The incident occurred near National Harmony Memorial Park cemetery in Landover, a suburb of Washington. Reports show that a black van, riddled with bullet holes, was involved in the incident.
Major Chad Schmick, in a press briefing on Friday, expressed his dismay at the audacity of the suspects to attack during such a somber occasion. “This is a time when people are already grieving, already sad about losing a loved one,” he stated.
According to Schmick, the suspects opened fire as the van was exiting the cemetery. Emergency responders faced challenges in accessing the victims in the van, resulting in an officer sustaining injuries during the rescue operation.
The police believe the van was specifically targeted, and it is likely that it was carrying close relatives of the deceased. The victims, two females and one male, were promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Schmick urged community members to come forward with any information or home surveillance footage that could aid in the investigation. The police are yet to determine whether the suspect was on foot or in a vehicle during the attack.