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An argument at an unsanctioned party near Arcadia Lake in Edmond, Oklahoma, led to a shooting Sunday night that left at least twenty-three people injured, with several in critical condition. Police say the violence erupted after a disagreement among partygoers at the Scissortail Campground, just north of Oklahoma City, where a large crowd of mostly young adults had gathered for a party promoted on social media.
Witnesses reported that the trouble started when a group of girls began arguing over boyfriends, leading to chaos as shots rang out in several directions. Attendee Jeremiah Smith told the Associated Press, "It just started a whole bunch of chaos. Everybody got scared, dudes was panicking, women was panicking, people seeing their friends fight." Smith added that two of his friends were among those hit by gunfire.
Emergency responders from the Edmond Police Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol rushed to the scene around 9:30 p.m., and multiple ambulances were seen leaving the area with victims. At least eighteen people were treated at local hospitals, with the ages of those hurt ranging from sixteen to thirty. Integris Health reported treating thirteen patients, with seven remaining at Baptist Medical Center, including three in critical condition. Another five were treated at OU Health’s trauma center. Some people sought their own medical care after the incident.
The party, called "Sunday Funday," was advertised on social media and drew about 250 people, according to witnesses. Edmond Mayor Mark Nash said, "To our knowledge, there was no reservation through the parks department." He announced steps are being taken to review and strengthen park operations, permitting processes, and security measures, but declined to answer further questions pending police investigation.
As of Monday, police were still searching for suspects and had not made any arrests. The exact number of shooting victims and the sequence of events remain under investigation. Edmond police have promised to release more information as it becomes available.