Police said gunfire followed a physical altercation during the crowded downtown arts event, and no arrest had been announced.
LAS VEGAS — A 15-year-old boy was killed and two other teenagers were injured when gunfire erupted during the First Friday arts event in downtown Las Vegas, prompting a homicide investigation and renewed discussion about safety at the popular monthly gathering.
The teenager who died was identified by his family as Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers, a sophomore at Desert Pines High School. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said officers were near South Main Street and West Charleston Boulevard at about 10:17 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, when they heard gunshots and ran toward a crowd. Officers found two people suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, and additional officers located a third victim. All three were taken to a hospital, where Jacobs-Rodgers died. Police said the two surviving victims had injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators believe a physical altercation involving several people preceded the shooting. Homicide Lt. Robert Price said an individual produced a firearm during the confrontation and began firing into the crowd, striking three people. Police described the shooter as an unknown male who left the area before officers reached the scene. As of Monday evening, authorities had not announced an arrest or publicly identified a suspect.
The shooting occurred during First Friday, a monthly event in the Las Vegas Arts District featuring artists, vendors, musicians and other community activities. The First Friday Foundation said after the shooting that it was heartbroken by the violence and grateful for the rapid response from police and other emergency personnel. The organization said it would evaluate what happened before announcing or planning future events.
Jacobs-Rodgers’ family described him as the oldest of nine siblings and a teenager who enjoyed boxing, basketball, skateboarding, video games and making people laugh. His mother, Tara Mesaric-Rodgers, said he was deeply loyal to his family and friends. Family members said Jacobs-Rodgers had been with friends during the event when the shooting occurred. Police have not publicly detailed the individual actions of each person involved in the confrontation.
Dozens of relatives, friends and community members gathered Monday in the Arts District for a vigil near the location of the shooting. Mourners lit candles and gathered around balloons in red and gold, colors his family said were among his favorites. His family remembered him as a protective older brother whose death had left a significant loss for his siblings and friends.
The shooting has also prompted debate among Arts District residents and business owners about security at First Friday. Some have called for changes to how the event handles crowds and unsupervised teenagers, while others have argued that young people need more safe spaces and organized activities. Members of the 18b Arts District Neighborhood Association said they planned to work with police and community leaders on measures intended to improve safety.
Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Olivia Diaz expressed sympathy for the victims, their families and people attending First Friday and thanked police, first responders, event workers and volunteers who helped people after the gunfire. The First Friday Foundation and neighborhood representatives have also expressed condolences to those affected by the shooting.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Section is continuing the investigation. Police have asked people who witnessed the shooting or recorded video of the confrontation to provide information to investigators. No arrest had been announced in the latest reports, and authorities had not publicly identified the two surviving teenagers.
Author note: Last updated October 6, 2026.