An annual Juneteenth celebration turned into chaos Saturday night, June 15, 2024, in Round Rock, Texas, as a shooting erupted, leaving two people dead and 14 others injured. The incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. at Old Settlers Park, a popular venue for this annual festival.
According to the Round Rock Police Department, an altercation broke out between two groups near the vendor area. Amid the chaos, at least one individual pulled out a gun and began firing, leading to tragic outcomes. “It breaks your heart for a family that was coming out to enjoy their evening, and now their life is forever changed as a result of somebody who couldn’t care less about somebody else’s life,” Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said at a press briefing.
The individuals who lost their lives in the shooting have been identified as Ara Duke, 54, from Pflugerville, and Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, from Manor. Police officials confirmed that Vicknair and Duke were not involved in the initial altercation. Fourteen other individuals, including four adults and two children, were taken to local trauma facilities with potentially serious injuries.
Emergency responders at the scene acted swiftly, applying tourniquets and performing CPR to save lives. Their prompt actions were crucial in managing the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The Austin-Travis County EMS played a significant role in transporting the injured to hospitals for further treatment.
The investigation is ongoing, with police still searching for the suspect. Although descriptions vary, the suspect is generally described as a black male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a thin build and short dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing a white hoodie. The suspect is believed to be between 19 and 20 years old.
The Round Rock Police Department is urging anyone with information or evidence, such as photos or videos of the incident, to come forward and assist in the investigation. A reward totaling $15,000 is available for information that leads to the suspect’s arrest, funded by contributions from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Governor Greg Abbott’s office, and Williamson County Crime Stoppers. Chief Banks stressed their objective to incarcerate the perpetrators for life.
Sunday morning’s planned activities at the park were canceled to prioritize the investigation and public safety, but the park reopened by the afternoon for Father’s Day events. The Juneteenth Festival, which celebrates African American freedom and culture, is a cherished Round Rock event organized by local nonprofit organizations and the city government.
