At least six people were wounded when gunfire erupted at a crowded Halloween party near the University of Delaware, sending costumed partygoers scrambling for safety.
The shooting broke out shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday on a packed stretch of Main Street in downtown Newark, Del., where college students and others had gathered for Halloween festivities. Police responded to find multiple victims and a chaotic scene of people fleeing in terror.
Jayden Ngalim, who was in the area when the violence started, described the pandemonium to NBC Philadelphia. “People were running, screaming. They had helicopters in the sky flashing lights on people,” he said. He added, “The people were speeding down the road. It got chaotic like quick.”
Nathaniel Davila was standing on a nearby corner when the first sounds of gunfire cut through the celebration. “I was right there on the corner and all we hear is like sharp pops. People, we’re thinking at first it’s the cars and then everyone starts running,” he said.
Landon Singleton rushed to aid one of the wounded as the crowd dispersed. He removed his own shirt and pressed it against the victim’s gunshot wound in an attempt to stem the bleeding. “He squeezed my hand, like his last hope,” Singleton said.
All six victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Their conditions remained unknown as of Sunday morning, and authorities have not released any details about arrests or suspects.
The University of Delaware issued an emergency alert at approximately 11:30 p.m., warning students and others to avoid the downtown area where the shooting had occurred. The notification came roughly 20 minutes after police were first called to the scene.
The violence unfolded during one of the busiest nights of the year for the college town, with Main Street filled with revelers in Halloween costumes. Witness accounts paint a picture of sudden transformation from festive celebration to terror as multiple shots rang out.
Authorities have not disclosed what may have precipitated the gunfire or whether any of the victims were specifically targeted. The investigation remained active with no public identification of suspects.