The Baltimore youth football shooting left a 12-year-old girl dead and three adults injured after gunfire erupted during a homecoming event at Leon Day Park on Saturday, according to authorities.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the child appeared to be caught in the crossfire near the youth football game. He said investigators believe two adult men began arguing over a parking space before both opened fire.
“What we know is that there was some type of argument between two cowards, and of course, they both opened fire on each other,” Worley said at a news conference. He added that the girl was likely at the park to watch football when she was shot and later died at a hospital.
Baltimore youth football shooting under investigation
As of Saturday night, police said they were seeking at least two suspects, described as adult men. No arrests had been announced.
Police said officers responded around 6:15 p.m. to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road after multiple reports of shots fired. At the scene, officers found a 25-year-old woman with an apparent gunshot wound and the 12-year-old girl, who was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
According to police, a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old man later arrived separately at local hospitals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. All three surviving victims were listed in stable condition.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the shooting, saying it stemmed from two adults who failed to resolve an argument without firearms. “Two grown men got into an argument and now a 12-year-old is gone,” he said. Scott called the incident “one of the most disgusting things” he has seen and offered condolences to the girl’s family, noting the profound impact on her classmates and community.
Authorities urged anyone with information to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland.
In another recent case involving gunfire and serious injury, a Venezuelan delivery driver shot by ICE undergoes surgery, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence and its impact on communities.