The joyous celebration of the Denver Nuggets’ first-ever NBA championship took a devastating turn when a Denver mass shooting incident left 10 individuals injured.
The tragic event of the Denver mass shooting transpired in an area where fervent Nuggets fans had gathered to commemorate their team’s resounding 4-1 victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals 2023.
Police authorities have disclosed that the shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, is believed to have originated from a botched drug transaction.
Among the wounded, one of the two suspected shooters was apprehended by the Denver Police Department.
Assuring the public, Police Chief Ron Thomas stated that all the injured are expected to recover, with several of them being innocent bystanders uninvolved in the drug deal.
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The Denver mass shooting incident unfolded approximately 3½ hours after the conclusion of the game, around 12:30 a.m.
At least 20 gunshots were fired at the scene, situated roughly a mile away from Ball Arena, where the Nuggets had clinched the NBA title the previous night.
Wounded Suspect in Custody, Investigation Underway
The suspect who sustained injuries during the shooting, a male individual, has been taken into custody by the Denver Police Department.
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The police spokesperson, Doug Schepman, emphasized that the circumstances leading to the altercation and subsequent gunfire are still under investigation.
The incident took place in an area teeming with exuberant revelers. Police authorities believe they might have attracted a substantial number of people exiting nearby establishments after the game.
The aftermath of the shooting saw the area cordoned off by yellow police tape. Investigators meticulously combed through the scene.
The surroundings were marked with evidence indicators and remnants from the celebrations. They included an electric scooter and a green rental bike.
According to Schepman, although a small crowd was present at the time of the shooting, it had significantly dwindled.
He surmised that many individuals might have left bars in the vicinity following the game.
As the investigation unfolds, the police have been actively interviewing witnesses, describing the scope of their efforts as comprehensive.
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Denver Health Medical Center reported that eight individuals were admitted for treatment. Of which, one was in critical condition, one was in fair condition, and six others were in good condition.
Queries regarding the remaining two wounded persons should be directed to the police, as stated by spokesperson Heather Burke.
The prompt response from law enforcement was attributed to the augmented police presence deployed in the area in anticipation of the celebratory gathering.
Denver authorities have scheduled a parade in downtown to honor the victorious Nuggets, despite the somber turn of events.
Denver Mass Shooting: The Latest Incident in the US
The joy following the Denver Nuggets’ historic NBA triumph was overshadowed by a senseless act of violence in Denver.
As the investigation continues, the city mourns the victims of the Denver mass shooting. It will take them a while to heal from this tragic episode.