Two dead and 14 wounded in Rochester mass shooting

The incident began just before 12:30 a.m. on Saturday when police were called to a shooting near Goodman Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, where hundreds of people were gathering outside, local media reported.

Interim Police Chief Mark Simmon told BNO: “It appears to be some type of backyard party that the police department, up until the point the 9-1-1 calls came in for the shots fired, was not aware of."

He also told reporters a man and woman aged between 18 and 22 died during the incident.

Geoffrey Rogers, freelance journalist at the scene in Rochester, New York, told LBC: "The police have said 16 people were shot, two have been killed. The youngest victim is around 18 years old.

"There is a possible weapon with police, but no one is in custody yet.

"There was a large gathering, it was a memorial service for someone else who was shot in Rochester recently."

Speaking near the crime scene, which appeared to span at least a block, Simmons said: "This is truly a tragedy of epic proportions."

He added: "This is yet another tragedy where individuals are having these illegal, unsanctioned house parties taking place in these properties, which – number one – is not safe because of Covid, because of the conditions.

"And then you add in alcohol and violence and it just becomes a recipe for disaster."

The 14 people who were injured have been taken to two separate hospitals. None are believed to have life-threatening injuries.

Rochester mayor Lovely Warren issued a statement asking for "prayers and support for all involved".

She said: "I'm begging everyone to remain calm and exercise deep restraint as RPD investigates what happened here and seeks those responsible."