Houston, Texas — A tragic incident unfolded early Sunday as a mass shooting at a house party left one individual dead and 13 others injured. The violence broke out shortly after an uninvited guest was asked to leave the gathering, according to local law enforcement.
The Houston Police Department began receiving emergency calls regarding gunfire around 12:50 a.m. Officers responded quickly, and as they approached the location, they reported hearing shots in the vicinity.
“It was chaotic from the very beginning,” Assistant Police Chief Patricia Cantu said during a morning press conference. Officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds inside and around the property.
Officials believe the shooter was a party crasher who escalated the situation after being turned away. Cantu explained that the individual’s departure triggered a sudden and violent response.
The initial shots were met with return fire from others attending the party, some of whom were armed themselves. “Other individuals pulled out guns and began returning fire,” Cantu added.
The celebration turned chaotic, with video footage from the scene revealing overturned tables, scattered chairs, and leftover food and drinks all remnants of what was meant to be a joyous occasion.
First responders from the Houston Fire Department arrived to find some victims in need of immediate medical attention in a nearby restaurant parking lot. Others managed to transport themselves to local hospitals for treatment.
“Sadly, one person has been confirmed deceased, and several others are in critical condition and undergoing surgery,” Cantu reported.
As of Sunday morning, police detained several individuals for questioning amid ongoing investigations but had not confirmed if the shooter was among them. “We are still working to identify the actual shooter,” Cantu stated.
Later, Houston Police spokesperson Jody Silva confirmed that no arrests had yet been made. The situation remains under investigation, with officers canvassing the neighborhood and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
“This is still very complex,” Cantu remarked, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the scene and the large number of witnesses involved. The police continue to seek additional information as they work to piece together the events that led to this tragic shooting.