A weekend gathering in North Carolina turned deadly after gunfire erupted just after midnight on Sunday, June 1, leaving one person dead and 11 others injured. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to a shooting at a residence near Hickory, where multiple victims were found. At least one of the wounded is reported to be in critical condition as authorities investigate the latest mass shooting to rock the United States.

According to officials, the shooting happened during a party hosted at a local home, where many attendees were high school-aged juveniles. Investigators from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Hickory Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are now trying to determine the motive and identify suspects. No arrests had been made, and officials have not disclosed the number of shooters involved.

Major Aaron Turk of the sheriff’s office stated that the victims’ ages varied, but declined to give specific details. Witness accounts described a chaotic scene as gunshots rang out and guests scattered in panic.

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Witnesses Describe Chaos and Fear

One teenager who was present at the gathering told local ABC affiliate WSOC-TV, “As soon as I heard the shots, everybody started scattering, ducking our heads, running toward our cars and trying to get to safety. I called my friend and he said, ‘Call 911. I need help."

Reports indicate that many of those at the event were local high school students. Officials have launched an investigation to examine what led to the outbreak of violence and whether the shooting was targeted or indiscriminate.

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Law enforcement personnel remained at the scene through Sunday morning, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The State Bureau of Investigation is assisting local agencies in gathering forensic evidence to support the identification of those responsible. Authorities are expected to release more updates as new details emerge about the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.