12 injured in shooting at Macon birthday gathering

A mass shooting happened at a birthday gathering in Macon, and so far, 12 victims have been reported, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting happened at Carolyn Crayton Park early Sunday morning near the park’s skatepark area. One group arrived at the park for a party, and a second group arrived across the street. The sheriff’s office said the two groups exchanged words, displayed guns and then fired at each other.

The victims include five 18-year-old males, five 17-year-old males and two 18-year-old females. Two of the victims remain in critical but stable condition while the other victims are stable.

Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Stanley Stewart said it was disheartening for such an event to take place with young people.

“You don’t get a reset button on this. This is not a video game. When you point a gun at somebody and you either take their lives or maim them, you’re changing families’ lives,” he said.

The FBI is assisting with the investigation due to the number of people involved, but the sheriff’s office said the evidence indicates it was a local incident.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock said in a Facebook post that he was following the investigation.

“My prayers are with those injured and their families, and I’m grateful for the law enforcement officers who responded at the scene,” Warnock said.

Anyone with information may call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-310-5112 or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.