WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — Police and EMS swarmed Kennywood Park in West Mifflin late Saturday night after multiple people were shot inside the park, police confirmed early Sunday morning.
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According to Allegheny County police, three people were shot inside the park in the “Lost Kennywood” section by the “Music Express” ride. This happened around 10:49 p.m.
One 15-year-old boy was shot in the leg and is in stable condition at a hospital. A 39-year-old man was also shot in the leg and was treated and released. A second 15-year-old boy was grazed in his leg by a bullet and was later taken to a hospital by a family member. He was last listed in stable condition.
Witnesses told police that two groups of juveniles were involved in an altercation and that was when shots were fired.
One handgun was recovered on Kennywood property, police said.
Several other people may have received minor injuries as a result of trampling as people were rushing to get out, though police did not have an exact number.
Allegheny County police said the shooter was described as a Black male wearing a black hoodie and a dark colored COVID face mask.
Police said they need help identifying the suspect and need anyone with video or information to call them at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
A “mass casualty incident” was declared after shots rang out, which brought EMS resources from across Allegheny and Westmoreland counties to the park.
Allegheny County police are handling the investigation in conjunction with West Mifflin Police.
Pittsburgh police also said they are assisting with the Kennywood Park incident.
RAW: Large police presence after reports of shots fired inside Kennywood Park RAW: Large police presence after reports of shots fired inside Kennywood Park
Kennywood Park released the following statement early Sunday morning:
“The park is closed for the night and all guests have exited. We are aware of a situation that occurred this evening and are working with local law enforcement. The safety of our guests and Team Members are our top priority. Members of the park’s security, Allegheny County, and West Mifflin police departments were already on site and immediately responded.”
Channel 11 News Anchor Susan Koeppen was on the scene picking her son up from the park when shots ran out.
Susan was waiting in the parking lot when she heard two gunshots. She said a nearby father told his children to run at that point.
Susan called her son who caught up to her and rushed into her vehicle. She said several kids who she had never met before also jumped into her car, just to seek shelter.
#kennywood Two shots were fired as park was getting ready to close and lots of families were in parking lot for pick up. Witnesses said they ran, some hopped fences to escape and left their belongings behind. pic.twitter.com/un0ZvfIUvK — susan koeppen (@susankoeppen) September 25, 2022
Susan and her son observed people jumping over fences in an attempt to quickly escape the park.
They also saw a man running with a wagon with two small children in tow, trying to get them out of the park.
Susan’s son told her that he saw people rushing towards the area of the Phantom’s Revenge with a stretcher.
#kennywood Pittsburgh Police responding to Kennywood. One of many departments called to the scene after shots fired. pic.twitter.com/qfdkHr2s5J — susan koeppen (@susankoeppen) September 25, 2022
Kennywood Park will be closed Sunday and will reopen Friday, according to the park’s website.
Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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Witness talks about emergency response at Kennywood Park
catilineluu on September 25th, 2022 at 05:22 UTC »
Heads up: “mass casualty incident” is a term used by EMS when they don’t have enough resources to adequately handle a scene.
Judging by the victim count, I’d say that’s about right. (EMT of 7 yrs)
Serath4 on September 25th, 2022 at 04:45 UTC »
“A source tells Pittsburgh's Action News 4 there are two confirmed gunshot victims, two other victims, and one walk-in victim to Children's hospital. The conditions off those victims are unknown.”
https://www.wtae.com/amp/article/emergency-response-ascends-upon-kennywood-park/41371801
Autoganz on September 25th, 2022 at 04:27 UTC »
Because it’s not in the title: “Police and EMS units have swarmed Kennywood Park in West Mifflin after reports of shots fired inside the park, according to law enforcement sources.”