NewsNation

9 injured in Florida beach boardwalk shooting, police say

(NewsNation) — Nine people were injured Monday after gunfire erupted on a crowded beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida, police said.

Several of the victims were taken to a children’s hospital, police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said.


The nine victims included six adults and three children, according to Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System. Victims were also taken to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, WTVJ-TV reported. All of the victims were in stable condition, she said.

However, Bettineschi said four children between the ages of 1 and 17 were hit along with five adults between 25 and 65. One was in surgery late Monday while the others were stable, she said.

It was not immediately clear if the hospital was counting the 17-year-old as an adult.

A dispute broke out between two groups, WPTV reported. At least one gun was pulled and shots were fired. Bettineschi told media assembled at a news conference that one suspect was arrested and police were looking for another.

Videos posted on Twitter Monday evening showed emergency medical crews responding and providing aid to multiple injured people.

“Thank you to the good Samaritans, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses for their immediate response to aid the victims of today’s shooting,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said on Facebook.

Police said there would be a heavy presence of officers as the investigation continues.

Hollywood Beach is a popular beach destination about 11 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles north of Miami.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.