Seven individuals, including victims in their late teens, were shot in northeastern Massachusetts early Sunday during what law enforcement officials described as a spontaneous car meetup. The incident took place on Lindbergh Avenue in Methuen, Essex County, with police responding to multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting shortly before 2 a.m. ET.
Upon arrival, officers found seven victims with gunshot wounds. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital, with one victim airlifted from the scene. The victims' ages range from late teens to 22 years old, hailing from various parts of Essex County.
According to Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, five victims are in stable condition, while two are listed in critical condition. An eighth victim was also discovered at the scene, sustaining serious head injuries while fleeing the area.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that while spontaneous car club meetups typically do not escalate to violence, they will take appropriate action to deter such activities. The shooting occurred during a car party, a gathering where young individuals aged 16 to 20 engage in activities like listening to music, dancing, vaping, and drinking in abandoned parking lots.
Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara stated that authorities have previously intervened in such gatherings to prevent trespassing. However, the location of this incident was unprecedented, as it was not a typical meetup spot.
No arrests have been made, and police are currently reviewing security footage from the area. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, as per authorities.
