Pennsylvania Dominican Festival Ends in Chaotic Shootout – Police Forced to Open Fire
On Sunday night, gunfire erupted during Allentown, Pennsylvania’s annual Dominican Festival, leading to police intervention and injuries. Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan reported that two groups exchanged gunfire, and police also shot during the incident, which occurred around 6:45 PM at City Center. Four individuals were hospitalized, but fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries among officers. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests had been made as of Monday morning. Mayor Matt Tuerk expressed disappointment over the incident, condemning the violence and reaffirming the city’s commitment to public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to ensure the safety and security of the community.
Gunfire barked Sunday night in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the city’s annual Dominican Festival was taking place.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said the gunfire began with two groups of people shooting at one another, according to Lehigh Valley News.
Police also opened fire during the 6:45 p.m. incident at Allentown’s City Center, he said.
A report from WTXF-TV said four people were hospitalized.
“Right now it appears there are no fatalities and no Allentown police officers that were injured,” Holihan said, according to Lehigh Valley News.
Holihan said police do not know the motive for the shooting.
The investigation into the incident is continuing. No arrests had been announced as of Monday morning.
“APD took quick, decisive action and there is no ongoing danger to the public,” Mayor Matt Tuerk said in a post on X.
“I’m incredibly disappointed that people are making bad choices in Allentown. Our neighbors have no patience for those that would make our streets unsafe,” he posted.
“This behavior is unacceptable and we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect everyone from harm,” he wrote.
I’m incredibly disappointed that people are making bad choices in Allentown. Our neighbors have no patience for those that would make our streets unsafe. This behavior is unacceptable and we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect everyone from harm. https://t.co/DL9M2Olhtg
— Mayor Matt Tuerk (@matthewtuerk) August 26, 2024
Witness Madison Rivera said she saw police chasing a car she believed to be involved in the incident.
The car police were chasing rear-ended the car she was a passenger in, then roared off with police in pursuit.
Shooting breaks out near Dominican Festival in Allentown, Pa.; police investigating #Shooting #Police #Pennsylvania #Violentcrimehttps://t.co/MyaSnsEhhR
— Richard Rodnick1 (@RichardRodnick1) August 26, 2024
Democratic state Rep. Josh Siegel chided “the few who lack respect for its laws.”
“I’m appalled by yet another incident of violence in my district staining our city streets with blood and depriving our residents and neighbors of peace of mind,” he said.
“Violent perpetrators will never be victorious though, and Allentown will not let them deprive our community of the safety it deserves,” he said.
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