Shooting at MLK Park in Rochester, New York: six injured and curfew set

Lina Portman1 week ago

1 2 minutes read

Six people were shot during an altercation at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Rochester early Sunday morning. The shooting was the city's largest this year, according to Rochester police data.

The six injured people are expected to survive.

Police said their initial investigations suggest a group of individuals were hanging out in the park overnight, after it closed, when an argument broke out. At least one person pulled out a gun and began shooting into the crowd before fleeing shortly before 3 a.m., police said.

The victims include two women aged 20 and 25 and four men aged 17, 18, 21 and 33.

An investigation is underway and anyone with information is asked to call 911.

More: More and more Rochesterians are living near fatal shootings, according to the New York Times database. Check your street here.

Mayor sets early curfew at MLK Park after shooting

Mayor Malik Evans ordered city officials to close MLK Park at 8 p.m. until further notice. The park is usually open until 11 p.m. RPD and city security personnel will patrol the park every night, on orders from the mayor.

A section of Court Street adjacent to the park, between Chestnut Street and the roundabout, will also be closed every evening at 7 p.m. until Sunday, June 30.

Several jazz festival sites are nearby; Visitors should be aware of the street closure.

Was anyone arrested in the MLK Park shooting?

Police have not yet announced the arrest of anyone they believe is responsible for the MLK Park shooting.

A man, Joshua Sanchez, 38, was arrested at the scene Sunday for allegedly blocking and fighting police as they tried to disperse the crowd after the shooting. Police said an officer was injured during Sanchez's arrest.

Sánchez was charged with assault, resisting arrest, harassment and obstructing government administration.

Shootings still on the decline in Rochester NY

Violence in Rochester has declined sharply in the last year. Murders fell 32%, while non-fatal shootings fell 31% compared to 2022.

By mid-2024, violence continues to decline, albeit at a slower rate.

Fewer than 100 people have been shot this year, according to RPD data. Twenty-two people have been killed, including one homicide this weekend.

This time last year, 123 people were injured in a shooting and 25 people were killed.

— Kayla Canne reports on community justice and safety efforts for the Democrat and the Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter @kaylacanne and @bykaylacanne on Instagram. Contact us at [email protected].

Mayor sets early curfew at MLK Park after shooting

Was anyone arrested in the MLK Park shooting?

Shootings still on the decline in Rochester NY

Lina Portman

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