HARRISBURG, Pa. — Two men are dead and three people are injured after being shot in Harrisburg on Tuesday night.
"This is just horrible, it's horrible," said Patricia Reitzi of Harrisburg. "I lost a grandson to gun violence in 2021 and to show up at these scenes, it's devastating because I know there are families out here mourning right now and grieving for the loss of that loved one.
Harrisburg police and the city's mayor, Wanda Williams, addressed the violence in a news conference on Wednesday.
Police say on May 21 around 8:30 p.m. they responded to S. 15th and Chestnut Streets in Harrisburg for a report of shots fired.
According to Harrisburg police commissioner Thomas Carter, as officers were on their way to that scene, they were flagged down by a man in the 1400 block of Market Street. He was suffering from gunshot wounds to his side. Officers administered first aid and called an ambulance, which took the man to the hospital.
When officers arrived at the original scene, they found a man who had been shot several times and was suffering from serious injuries. A woman then approached police. She had a gunshot wound to her leg. A third male victim was also located at the scene with gunshot wounds. All three victims were also taken to the hospital.
Authorities say the man who they found on Market Street as well as one of the male victims found near S. 15th and Chestnut Streets died at the hospital as a result of their injuries.
Hours later, authorities say a woman arrived at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. Police say all five adult victims were shot in the same incident, which is considered a mass shooting. According to Commissioner Carter, the incident was "targeted" and there is no danger to the general public.
"I am fed up," said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams on Wednesday. "Enough is enough."
Back at the scene, police located a car with its rear left door open. Investigators say there was a gun lying on the back seat. Officers also recovered AR-15, shotgun, and .40 caliber bullet casings in the area.
Commissioner Carter couldn't say what kind of gun was found in the car.
Authorities were able to talk to several witnesses. They also obtained surveillance footage from cameras in the area.
"The investigation is coming together nicely," said Commissioner Carter. "It's just a tragedy we're here once again within a couple of weeks talking about more shootings in the city of Harrisburg."
"It is impacting everybody here, it's draining the resources we have, it's draining the city residents," Carter continued.
"I can tell you for a fact that the Harrisburg Police Department, with the help of other agencies, will be out this week. So don't be surprised, I say to all the residents, that you see them on the streets every day, all day long," added Mayor Wanda Williams. "And if they approach you, it's because you shouldn't be where you are and you shouldn't have on you what you have on you."
Watch the full press conference below:
Tuesday's two homicides marked Harrisburg's 9th and 10th homicides in 2024. The city had 12 total homicides in 2023.
Police are not releasing a motive at this time. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact the Harrisburg Police at 717-558-6900.