Mother dies after shooting during MLK parade in Fort Pierce
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — One person has died after a shooting during a MLK Jr. Day event on Monday night.
The family tells CBS12 News Nikkitia Bryant from Fort Pierce passed away due to her injuries.
The sheriff said she was at an after-parade party with her daughter when the shooting occurred.
Eight people were shot during the event, with four others being injured as patrons fled the scene.
The investigation is now being treated as a murder investigation. Investigators said the shooting appears to be the result of two rival Fort Pierce gangs, and local law enforcement is working with federal and state partners on the case.
The city of Fort Pierce released the following statement regarding the event Tuesday:
The City of Fort Pierce extends its thoughts and prayers to the families that were impacted by the shooting incident which took place during an event at Lincoln Park Regional Park at 1306 Avenue M on Monday afternoon. Tragically, this incident occurred on a day when our community gathered to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who dedicated his life to peacefully advancing human rights and equality.
The Fort Pierce Police Department, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Lucie County Fire District responded immediately by securing the site and providing assistance to the injured. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation and the City of Fort Pierce Police Department shall continue to assist our partners at the Sheriff’s Office in any way possible to help bring closure to this unfortunate situation.
The City of Fort Pierce is dedicated to the safety of our citizens and our mission to provide a safe environment for all. Those with information related to this incident should contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477.
A hotline for tips and information about the shooting or suspects has been set up. The hotline is 772-462-3230.
