By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
SAVANNAH, Ga. — An argument between two women escalated into a mass shooting late Saturday, leaving 11 people injured in Savannah’s busy tourist district near Ellis Square. This incident was part of a violent weekend in the city that saw five separate shootings, resulting in two fatalities.
According to Police Chief Lenny Gunther, the shooting began after an argument inside an undisclosed business. “One shot rang out. That triggered other individuals to shoot,” Gunther said. “We had multiple individuals discharge their weapons to shoot at each other, which resulted in multiple people getting shot.” Of the 11 injured, 10 were hit by gunfire. Authorities did not specify the cause of the 11th injury. Victims received treatment at the scene, and several were transported to a hospital. Fortunately, none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson attributed the surge in violence to the widespread availability of guns and called for more stringent gun control measures. “We have to insist on smart gun laws,” Johnson emphasized during a Sunday news conference. “And then, on the other end, we have to insist that people act responsibly with those weapons.” He also urged gun owners to secure their firearms to prevent thefts and to ensure that those carrying guns are well-informed about their use.
The mass shooting took place just a week before the Memorial Day weekend, a peak time for tourism in Savannah. Police Chief Gunther reassured the public that the police force would be adequately staffed to ensure safety during the holiday period.
Ellis Square, located in Savannah’s historic district, is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Redeveloped in 2010, it features a large fountain and a statue of songwriter Johnny Mercer.
The violent weekend began with two shootings on Friday, both resulting in non-life-threatening injuries and subsequent arrests. On Saturday, police responded to a home invasion, discovering a deceased juvenile at the scene. Preliminary reports indicated that shots were fired when a resident confronted an armed intruder. Another shooting occurred at a Savannah intersection on Saturday night, leaving one man dead and a juvenile injured.
The weekend’s string of shootings has shaken the Savannah community, highlighting the urgent need to address gun violence in the city. Local authorities are calling for cooperation from the public and stressing the importance of responsible gun ownership as part of the broader effort to prevent such tragedies in the future.