SAVANNAH, GA – A heated dispute between two women escalated into a violent gunfight, resulting in 11 people injured in the bustling tourist hub of Savannah, Georgia, late Saturday. This incident was one of five shootings that occurred in the city over the weekend, two of which had fatal outcomes, according to local authorities.
On Friday, two separate shootings left two people injured. The violence continued into Saturday with two more shootings, both ending in fatalities. The final incident occurred just before midnight near the city’s Ellis Square. According to Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther, the conflict began as a verbal altercation between two women in a local establishment, which he did not identify.
Gunther explained that the situation escalated when a single gunshot was fired, prompting others in the vicinity to discharge their weapons. “This resulted in a multitude of individuals engaging in a gunfight, leading to multiple injuries,” he stated. Of the 11 people injured, 10 were wounded by gunfire, while the cause of the 11th injury was not disclosed by the authorities. Several of the victims were transported to nearby hospitals, but none of the injuries were reported as life-threatening.
Savannah’s Mayor Van Johnson addressed the situation, emphasizing the need for sensible gun control laws and responsible firearm ownership. He pointed to the abundance of guns in the city as a contributing factor to the weekend’s violence. “We need to insist on smart gun laws and responsible behavior from gun owners,” Johnson said during a Sunday news conference.
The mass shooting occurred just a week prior to the Memorial Day weekend, a period known for attracting a large number of tourists to the city. Despite the recent events, Police Chief Gunther reassured the public of adequate police staffing to maintain safety.
Ellis Square, located in Savannah’s historic district, is a favorite among both tourists and locals. Known for its large fountain and life-sized statue of songwriter Johnny Mercer, the square has been a popular spot since its development in 2010.
The weekend’s violence began with two shootings on Friday, both resulting in non-life-threatening injuries and subsequent arrests. On Saturday, police responded to a home invasion call, discovering a deceased juvenile at the residence. Preliminary reports suggest that shots were fired after a resident confronted an armed intruder. Another shooting occurred at a Savannah intersection on Saturday night, leaving one man dead and a juvenile injured.