MADISON, Wisconsin – A shooting at an overnight party on a rooftop in downtown Madison left at least 10 people injured, according to local police. The victims, ranging in age from 14 to 23 years old, are now recovering from their injuries, none of which are considered life-threatening. While authorities continue their investigation, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes is urging the public to come forward with any information or videos that may help identify the suspect.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Chief Barnes described the shooting as a “miracle” that no one had been killed. Emergency personnel were called to the scene just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, where they found a teenager bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds in the street. Inside the apartment building on Johnson Street, chaos ensued as dozens of partygoers rushed to escape, tripping over one another in a frantic bid for safety.
Upon reaching the rooftop, police were met with a scene of confusion and panic, estimating several hundred people in attendance. Authorities revealed that nine individuals had sustained gunshot wounds or bullet grazes, while another person was injured by broken glass. Many of the victims are still in high school and should have been enjoying their summer vacation, not receiving medical treatment, Chief Barnes emphasized.
The Madison Fire Department transported five gunshot victims to the hospital by ambulance, while others arrived independently. Four ambulances and two engine companies were deployed to the scene to assist in triage, treatment, and transportation. Although some attendees sustained minor injuries while trying to flee, they did not require medical attention.
Approximately 10 shell casings were recovered at the scene, and investigators are currently reviewing footage from apartment and public cameras to piece together what occurred. As of now, no motives or suspects have been identified, prompting police to appeal for any video evidence that may shed light on the incident.
Chief Barnes stressed the importance of community cooperation in resolving the case and bringing the responsible parties to justice. He noted that earlier this year, the police and fire departments had trained for responding to such situations, but they had not anticipated putting that training into practice so soon.
Alder Mike Verveer, a representative of downtown on Madison’s Common Council, expressed his shock upon arriving at the scene and witnessing the magnitude of the incident. Multiple law enforcement agencies had converged on the location, and the constant sirens only intensified the horror of the situation.
Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community as they investigate this indiscriminate shooting. With the support of the community, Madison police hope to apprehend those responsible for the violence and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future