LELAND, Miss. (AP) — Law enforcement officials and community leaders in Leland are seeking the public's assistance in identifying individuals wanted for questioning following a tragic mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of six people. The shooting occurred during a community event coinciding with homecoming weekend, shortly after a high school football game.
A news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Leland City Hall, where local police, along with representatives from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and various state and federal agencies, are expected to update the community on the ongoing search for suspects involved in this horrific event.
Leland Mayor John Lee emphasized the urgent need for information regarding potential suspects, stating, “We’re still trying to gather information on possible suspects out there.” The violence that erupted left more than a dozen others injured, and several suspects have already been charged with capital murder as a result of the incident that occurred on Friday night.
The FBI's Jackson Field Office has been actively sharing images of suspects who are wanted for questioning about the mass shooting. Witnesses described the scene, which unfolded during a long-standing community celebration, as chaotic and devastating. Mayor Lee reflected on the shock that has enveloped the town, stating, “It’s still kind of numbness at this point. Families are still grieving, and they don’t have closure right now. We’re talking about funerals not even prepared yet.”
The mayor noted that such violence is unprecedented in their community, emphasizing how this homecoming event has always been about bringing people together: “This is not anything that’s happened anywhere close to our community ever before.” The situation in Leland was particularly alarming, as it represented the deadliest of multiple shootings that were reported in Mississippi during the same weekend, including violent incidents at two other towns hosting homecoming football games and at Alcorn State and Jackson State universities, which were also celebrating their respective events.
As of now, authorities have not announced a motive for the tragic shooting. However, the FBI indicated that the gunfire appears to have arisen from a disagreement among several individuals. Witness Camish Hopkins recounted a chilling and distressing experience, describing the scene as “the most horrific scene I’d ever seen,” with several wounded individuals and multiple victims on the ground.
This mass shooting has profoundly impacted the small community of Leland as it grapples with the grief and trauma left in its wake. Efforts to solicit tips and information from the public are crucial to advancing the investigation and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
