Oxon Hill, Maryland – A tragic incident unfolded at Potomac High School during a children’s football game fundraiser, resulting in the death of a man and the injury of a 5-year-old child. According to the Prince George’s County Police Department, the shooting occurred on Saturday morning during a children’s sports event at the school.
During a press conference at the scene, PGPD Chief Malik Aziz revealed that the shooting took place while 7-year-olds were playing on the field. The shots were fired at approximately 11:20 a.m., causing chaos and fear among those in attendance.
Authorities believe that an argument between two individuals in the stands quickly escalated into violence when one of them drew a gun, fatally shooting the other man and inadvertently hitting the young child with a stray bullet. The man succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital, while the child was treated for non-life-threatening wounds.
Chief Aziz emphasized that the shooting was unrelated to the ongoing games and fundraiser, highlighting the tragic circumstances that led to the senseless act of violence. State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and County Executive Angela Alsobrooks condemned the incident, underscoring the need to address gun violence and prevent such tragedies.
Neighbors and community members expressed their sorrow and disbelief over the incident, mourning the loss of life and the impact it would have on the victims’ families. They called for swift justice and urged anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
Law enforcement officials assured the public that they were working diligently with federal agencies to apprehend the suspect and bring closure to the case. As the community grappled with the aftermath of the shooting, discussions around gun control and safety measures emerged to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragic events at Potomac High School serve as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence, prompting calls for greater vigilance and action to protect communities and prevent senseless acts of crime. As authorities continue their investigation, the community remains united in seeking justice and support for those affected by the heartbreaking incident.