A shooting at the Mississippi Mudbug Festival on Saturday left one person dead and five others injured.
NBC affiliate WLBT reports the shooting occurred before 10 p.m. at the Mississippi Mudbug Festival at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson.
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones confirmed that three of the wounded people were stabilized at a local hospital, with the condition of the fourth person not yet available. The fifth victim of the shooting was an unidentified police officer.
Jones also revealed that the deceased individual was killed by a police officer who fired his weapon at a suspect who may have allegedly been involved in the original outburst of gunfire.
“We believe one of the law enforcement personnel discharged his weapon, and we believe at this particular time that the victim that is deceased is possibly due to the officer-involved shooting,” Jones said at a news conference.
“We believe that individual that is deceased was actively involved in the incident that was reported regarding the gunfire and regarding the several shots that were fired.”
Jones added, “It’s very devastating and very tragic. This is what’s to be considered a very family oriented event, where families come to enjoy entertainment and food. You have individuals with no regards for the lives and safety of those attending the event. I think that is a very coward and selfish act to involve so many innocent people that are here to have fun and enjoy themselves.”
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced on Sunday that the festival has since been cancelled.
“Safety is a priority at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds,” Gipson said. “I appreciate the rapid response from the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department. Their quick action in securing the scene prevented others from potentially being hurt.”
