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Police in Allentown, Pennsylvania, responded to a shooting that began when two groups opened fire on each other during an annual Dominican Festival on Sunday night.
Allentown police officers also opened fire in the incident, which occurred around 6:45 p.m. in the 100 block of North Seventh Street, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said, according to LehighValley.com News.
Several people were injured and taken to local hospitals.
“At this time it appears there are no fatalities and no Allentown police officers have been injured,” Holihan told the outlet.
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Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk said he is aware of the violence that unfolded Sunday night, but said there is no ongoing danger to the public.
“I am incredibly disappointed that people are making bad decisions in Allentown,” he wrote on social media platform X. “Our neighbors have no patience for those who want to make our streets unsafe. This behavior is unacceptable and we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect everyone from harm.”
State Rep. Josh Siegel, a Democrat, said the shooting occurred during a day of celebration as Allentown held its annual Dominican Festival downtown.
“Today was a day of celebration and recognition of our city’s diversity and vibrant community,” Siegel told LehighValleyNews.com. “We must never allow these cases to rob our city of its positive momentum and progress. Allentown is stronger than the few who disregard its laws.”
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Siegel, who represents the area where the shootings occurred, said he was optimistic that police and the district attorney’s office would hold those responsible for the shooting accountable.
“I am appalled by yet another incident of violence in my district that stains the streets of our city with blood and deprives our residents and neighbors of peace of mind,” he said. “However, violent perpetrators will never be victorious and Allentown will not allow them to deprive our community of the safety it deserves.”
Holihan said the shooting remains under investigation and it is too early to establish a motive.
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