Five Killed in Targeted Mass Shooting Across East St. Louis

Five people were killed and two wounded in a targeted mass shooting at multiple locations in East St. Louis, Illinois. Two teenagers are in custody.

Five Killed in Targeted Mass Shooting Across East St. Louis

A family was struck by gunfire that left five dead and two wounded across several spots in East St. Louis, Illinois, on Sunday, Spectrum News reported.

The fatal victims ranged in age from 21 to 74. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly characterized the assault as a "targeted mass shooting" during a briefing with journalists. He condemned the act as deeply disturbing while insisting the municipality's advancement would continue despite the tragedy.

Troopers halted a vehicle and apprehended two adolescents. Authorities suspect one of them participated directly in the gunfire. The reason behind the violence remains unknown. Kelly indicated the assailant had familial ties to those slain, without specifying how they were related.

The shootings occurred at three places, including a recreational area. East St. Louis sits on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, opposite St. Louis, Missouri, and is home to roughly 17,500 residents. Homicide figures for the municipality dropped to 15 last year from 34 in 2020.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)