LANCASTER, Calif. – A recent outbreak of shootings in Lancaster has resulted in a total of four fatalities and multiple injuries, prompting the city’s mayor to appeal for increased public-safety support.
The incidents occurred over a span of two days, with two individuals losing their lives in a shooting on Wednesday evening in the 800 block of E Avenue J-12, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead, while several others sustained injuries.
The previous night, three separate shootings took place, resulting in two deaths and at least one person being injured. Authorities are currently investigating whether these incidents are connected, given their proximity and timing.
Mayor R. Rex Parris of Lancaster expressed a sense of being overwhelmed and under-resourced in the wake of these violent events. He has called on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to allocate additional law enforcement resources from the sheriff’s department to address the escalating situation.
“We’re operating with only half of the necessary number of deputies,” Parris stated in an interview with Eyewitness News. “Despite prior knowledge of the growing issue, the county has failed to provide sufficient officers to ensure the safety of our community, despite our contributions.”
The successive shootings have raised concerns among residents and officials regarding the need for enhanced security measures and resources to prevent further violence and safeguard the well-being of Lancaster residents. Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragic events.
In light of the recent shootings, community members and local leaders are urging for decisive action to address the underlying causes of violence and ensure the safety of all individuals in the Lancaster area. As the city grapples with the aftermath of these devastating incidents, the need for collaborative efforts to enhance public safety and support the community remains a top priority for officials.