Crowd at an outdoor celebration reacts to the sudden violence.
A shooting at an unpermitted pre-Cinco de Mayo celebration in Augusta resulted in one death and two injuries. The event, which promised family-friendly activities, turned chaotic when gunfire erupted. One victim, 26-year-old Zyshawn Franklin, died at the scene. Police have identified a suspect and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the gathering, raising concerns about public safety at unregulated events.
Augusta was the scene of a tragic shooting late Sunday night, resulting in one death and two injuries at an unpermitted pre-Cinco de Mayo celebration. The event, advertised online as a family-friendly gathering, took place at 105 Riverfront Drive and was hosted by Stunt Sunday Augusta, featuring activities such as jet ski rentals and food trucks.
The celebration was scheduled to conclude by 10 p.m., but gunfire erupted around 8:30 p.m., leading to chaos and panic among attendees. Zyshawn Franklin, a 26-year-old resident of Augusta, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene at 9:15 p.m. The two additional victims were transported to local hospitals, but their identities have not been released due to ongoing investigations.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has officially stated that they are actively investigating the shooting incident. They have identified Wendarius Harris, a 23-year-old male, as a suspect wanted for questioning. Harris is described as a Black male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The authorities encourage anyone with information or video footage of the event to contact the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division at 706-821-1020 or send tips via email to PIO@augustaga.gov.
Following the shooting, a significant response from sheriff’s deputies and the county coroner arrived at the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance. A witness has shared a video online that captures the moments leading up to the shooting, adding a layer of urgency to the investigation.
Promotional materials for the pre-Cinco de Mayo celebration highlighted various activities meant to entertain families, including vendor showcases that charged fees ranging from $25 to $50. However, Augusta’s Chief of Staff, Lewis Blanchard, stated that this gathering did not possess an official permit to operate, raising concerns about the safety and regulation of gatherings without proper oversight.
This incident underscores the ongoing issues surrounding public safety at large gatherings, especially those lacking formal permits. Unpermitted events can create dangerous situations, as shown by the violence that erupted on Sunday night. Local authorities are now examining the implications of such gatherings and the necessary steps needed to ensure the safety of residents in future events.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is expected to continue their investigation into the incident, looking at potential leads and gathering evidence. Communities across Augusta are left grappling with the aftermath of the shooting and contemplating the safety measures needed for public events.
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