Rhode Island shooting: 9 hurt in 'targeted' attack between gangs, Providence mayor says 'too easy' to get guns
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND: A gunfight that broke out in Providence, Rhode Island, has left nine injured, with three in critical condition. According to reports, a feud between two groups of men turned ugly when one 'targeted' the other and began firing at their house on Thursday evening, 13 May.
Police responded to calls at 6.47pm about gunfire at a residence on Carolina Street. It's unclear how many people were involved in the feud but cops say at least four to five different guns were involved. So far, no arrests have been made and investigation is ongoing. Providence Police Chief Col Hugh T Clements confirmed that at least nine people were injured, with three hospitalized and in critical condition. All victims are aged between 19 and 25. Detectives are reportedly at the hospital interviewing all those injured.
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Lisa Pina-Warren, director of victim services, confirmed that eight victims were in the hospital with two requiring surgery. Others are reportedly in stable condition with "multiple different wounds – arms, legs, one in the chest". Further details about the victims were not provided and it is unclear if they are all involved in the shootout.
"These are groups that we are familiar with," Clements said. "This is not random. It was targeted at that address." He added, "We have a good handle on everyone that is involved in this incident. They’re well known to Providence Police." According to reports, a group of men drove up to the house in Carolina Street and began firing at the house, leading those inside to respond by firing back. "It's unfortunate that young men in this community have no regard for life at times," Clements added. "They fire the guns willingly at each other, which is the case here. So very disappointing."
Police have sealed off the street and are working on the scene. According to Providence Journal, "Evidence markers showing where more than a dozen shell casings littered the ground could be seen in the distance." Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza was also at the scene and told reporters that there would be extra patrols and security in the neighborhood over the coming days. "Everybody is shaken," Elorza said at the news conference. "This has to stop. The young people involved believing that the way to solve their disputes is with a handgun. I mean, that just can't be the way. It's just too easy to access these guns and we have to do something about that," he added.
This incident is the latest in a long line of gun violence cases in the city. According to Clements, prior to the Carolina street gunfight, 19 people have been shot and seven killed in Providence in 2021 alone. Providence Police Commander Thomas Verdi called the incident the largest shooting in the city's history. "We have taken a lot of guns off the streets this year, almost double the amount as last year," he added. "We have a gun issue in this city."