In White Township, Pennsylvania, a mass shooting at a local community center resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man and injuries to eight others early Sunday, according to state police. The incident occurred during a private event, adding to the growing number of mass shootings in the United States this year.
The deceased, identified as Jamar Montae Porterfield Herriot Jr. from Homestead, Pennsylvania, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, as per the Indiana County coroner’s report. Initially, police had reported him to be from Pittsburgh. The injured, aged between 19 and 23, were rushed to various hospitals. Among them, an 18-year-old from Chicago is in critical condition, while another 18-year-old from Florida is also among the injured. The remaining six victims are Pennsylvania residents.
The incident, which is still under active investigation, occurred around 12:35 a.m. at the Chevy Chase Community Center. Police arrived on the scene in response to a noise complaint just moments before the shooting began. According to Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, “dozens of gunshots” were fired inside the building, leading investigators to believe there was more than one shooter involved.
In the ensuing chaos, partygoers scrambled for safety, some even diving through windows. The community center, located about 50 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, was hosting a party attended by more than 150 people, making the venue “very full” at the time of the shooting. Personal belongings, including clothing and cell phones, were left scattered across the scene as attendees fled.
No suspects have been apprehended yet, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests and prosecution, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) offering an additional $5,000. The investigation is also looking into who hosted the party and rented the venue, which required an entry fee.