What was meant to be a night of community pride ended in tragedy.
Four people were killed and 12 others injured — four critically.
A mass shooting rocked the small town of Leland, Mississippi, just after midnight on Friday.
“It’s devastating,” said Mayor John Lee, describing his town of 3,700 as one where “everybody knows everybody.”
The shooting happened on Leland’s main street, not far from the local high school.
The school had been hosting its homecoming football game — a cherished annual tradition.
“This is an event we’ve held for years without incident,” Lee told the BBC, his voice heavy with disbelief.
Manhunt Underway
Four of the injured were airlifted to hospitals, and police say a manhunt is underway for the shooter. No suspects are yet in custody.
State Senator Derrick Simmons described the aftermath as “very chaotic,” with officers and first responders rushing in “from all over.”
Residents who moments earlier had been celebrating were suddenly fleeing in terror.
Adding to the heartbreak, another deadly shooting occurred the same night in Heidelberg.
It happened nearly 200 miles away, also during homecoming celebrations.
Two towns. Two tragedies. One haunting question: how many more American gatherings must end this way?
