Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the aftermath of a mass shooting in south Georgia over the weekend.
Dooly County Sheriff's deputies were on patrol at a neighborhood block party when shots were fired. They discovered 35 people injured, with Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy reporting some victims were hit by gunfire and others hit by vehicles trying to flee. Two additional victims were confirmed dead at the scene nearby.
Authorities have said it was initially a massive but peaceful gathering of over 1,000 people. After shots began to fire, they were scrambling in every directions, and deputies had to push through to reach the victims.
The deceased were taken to the GBI Medical Examiner's Office for autopsies while the rest of the victims
were taken to multiple regional hospitals for treatment. The conditions of the living range from stable to critical, with ages ranging 14 to 51.
Mass shooting in Georgia victims list
The only two victims to be confirmed by the GBI are the deceased: Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson, 21, of Cordele and Macaleb Malik Jackson, 23, of Hawkinsville.
Vienna mass shooting press conference
The GBI live-streamed a press conference discussing the investigation Sunday afternoon:
Where was the mass shooting in Georgia?
The shooting was in Vienna on the 900 block of Pine street.
When was the Vienna mass shooting?
The shooting was around 1:25 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4.
Arrests for mass shooting in Vienna GA?
No arrests, suspects, or motives have been confirmed as of publication. There were reports of shots fired in two different spots in the area.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Multiple news outlets have said the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation (also known as the Uvalde Foundation) is offering a $5,000 reward for information that helps law enforcement arrest and/or convict those responsible.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Perry at (478) 987-4545. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
Leaders respond to mass shooting in Vienna GA
Gov. Brian Kemp released a brief statement saying "We are in contact with our law enforcement partners statewide and in Dooly County as they respond to this event."
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms released her own statement which said, in part, "I am heartbroken by the tragedy in Vienna and the lives taken by senseless gun violence....No family should have to endure this nightmare."
Her competitor, Republican Rick Jackson, also posted a statement calling the news horrific, and asking the community to "Please join us in keeping the victims and their loved ones in your prayers, as well as the entire community. Our prayers are with the survivors for a full recovery, and with law enforcement and first responders working to find who did this and keep Dooly County safe."
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia said on his socials "I'm closely following the horrifying news....I’m grateful to law enforcement and first responders who arrived on the scene. May God give peace to the families of the victims and I am praying for the swift recovery of those injured. Keeping the entire community of Vienna in my thoughts."
U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop released a statement that said, in part, "Homecoming is supposed to be about coming home....A celebration of home became a scene of unspeakable grief....But this community is strong, and it is not alone. My office stands ready to help in every way we can."
Where is Vienna Georgia?
Vienna is a small community just over 9 miles north of Cordele and 28 miles south of Perry.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: 2 dead, 35 injured: Here's the latest info on mass shooting in Georgia
