Eight people shot at Florida MLK Day block party

One of the eight gunshot victims is in "critical condition" and four other individuals were injured as they fled the scene, officials said.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: January 17, 2023 7:57am

Updated: January 17, 2023 8:57am

Eight people were shot Monday evening during a dispute at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day block party in Ft. Pierce, Florida, officials said.

The shooting occurred about 5:20 p.m. ET as a result of "a disagreement between two parties" at the celebration, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said. One of the eight gunshot victims is in "critical condition" and four other individuals were injured as they fled the scene, according to Chief Deputy Brian Hester.

Officials have not named any suspects.

The block party in Ilous Ellis Park was billed as an "MLK Car Show & Family Fun Day" with a children's area, a DJ and "dancing butterflies," according to an event flyer.

More than 1,000 people were at the event, CNN reported.

"So many innocent people that were injured or hurt were not part of the disagreement," Hester said. "It’s really unfortunate and it’s sad that during a celebration of someone who represented peace and equality, a disagreement results in a use of guns and violence."