A night of celebration turned into tragedy during Tulsa’s Juneteenth Festival as gunfire erupted in the Greenwood District, leaving one person dead and 10 others wounded.
Police responded around 11 p.m. Saturday to a shooting in the area of North Greenwood Avenue, prompting a large emergency response.
What We Know About the Shooting
Tulsa Police confirmed that 11 people were shot during the festival. One victim died from their injuries, and 10 others were taken to local hospitals by EMSA.
Witnesses Describe a Sudden Shift
Festivalgoers say the mood was festive before the violence erupted.
“Peaceful, fun, everybody was partying and having a really good time,” said Virginia Steward of Tulsa. “The music was great. Food was good. People were having a good time and dancing with each other everything. And then all of a sudden, boom, it stopped.”
Police Response and Road Closures
Tulsa Police shut down several roads in the Greenwood District, including Archer Street and Elgin Avenue. Crime scene tape surrounded parts of the area near ONEOK Field as officers investigated.
The department described the scale of the response as an “all call,” meaning all available officers were called to the scene.
Festival Organizers Respond
In a statement released overnight, organizers of Tulsa’s Juneteenth Festival said:
“We have been made aware of a shooting that occurred during the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival. Our on-site security and medical teams responded immediately, and we remain in close communication with first responders. We are actively cooperating with the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues.”
They added: “Out of respect for those impacted, all programming is currently canceled. Please keep our community in your prayers. We will share additional updates as more information becomes available.”
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