ANDERSON, SC — Tragedy Strikes Juneteenth Celebration as Gunfire Erupts, Leaving One Dead and 10 Injured

A night that began with joy, unity, and celebration turned into an evening of chaos and sorrow in Anderson, South Carolina, as a Juneteenth gathering was marred by a mass shooting that claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman and left ten others wounded.

The violent incident occurred late Saturday night, June 21, during a large outdoor community event on Scarborough Road, where families, friends, and neighbors had gathered to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. According to officials, the celebration had been peaceful for much of the day, filled with music, food, dancing, and the vibrant spirit of community.

But shortly before midnight, that peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the sound of gunfire.

Victim Identified: A Community Mourns

Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore confirmed the identity of the deceased as Laporhsia Janae Gray Cobb, a 35-year-old mother and longtime resident of Anderson. Cobb, known to her family and friends as “Porshia,” was remembered as a loving mother, daughter, and friend with a warm smile and a deep love for her community. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“She was full of life, and she loved being around people,” said one relative, who spoke tearfully at the scene. “She was just out celebrating freedom, something our ancestors fought so hard for. It’s heartbreaking that her life was taken in the middle of something that was meant to honor that very struggle.”

Cobb’s family is now mourning the loss of a vibrant soul, one whose presence lit up every room she entered.

Chaos at the Scene

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as panic spread throughout the crowd when the shots rang out. Attendees fled in every direction, some ducking behind vehicles, others desperately trying to shield loved ones or escape through nearby wooded areas.

First responders and deputies from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene quickly after 911 calls flooded the emergency lines. Authorities discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, and EMS crews worked tirelessly to stabilize the injured.

Ten individuals were transported to nearby hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. As of Sunday morning, several remained in critical condition. Their names have not yet been released, and authorities are working to notify families and provide support.

Investigation Underway

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with state authorities and federal agencies, has launched an intensive investigation into the shooting. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, Sheriff Chad McBride confirmed that multiple shooters may have been involved.

“This was a senseless act of violence that disrupted what should have been a celebration of freedom and progress,” Sheriff McBride stated during a press conference on Sunday. “We are urging anyone who was at the event or who may have video, photos, or information about what happened to come forward. Your voice could be critical in bringing justice to the victims and their families.”

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the shooting was targeted or random, but they believe there was a dispute that escalated into gunfire. No arrests have been made as of Sunday afternoon.

Community in Shock and Grief

The shooting has sent shockwaves throughout the Anderson community, especially among those who attended the event. For many, Juneteenth is not only a celebration but a time of reflection, history, and pride. That such a horrific act occurred during a moment of cultural importance has left many residents both devastated and angry.

“This is not who we are,” said Pastor Derrick Williams of a local church. “Juneteenth is about liberation. It’s about remembering our past while moving forward in strength and unity. The violence that took place last night has no place in our celebrations—or our city.”

Local leaders, including Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts, have called for calm and unity in the wake of the tragedy. Plans for a vigil in memory of Laporhsia Cobb are underway, with organizers hoping to bring the community together in a show of love, resilience, and remembrance.

A Call for Action

As the investigation continues, conversations around community safety, gun violence, and support for victims are intensifying. Advocacy groups are calling for increased efforts to ensure public safety at large gatherings, as well as greater mental health and community outreach programs to address the root causes of violence.

For now, though, the Anderson community is left to grieve the loss of one of its own and pray for the recovery of the injured.

“We came together to celebrate freedom,” said one mourner at the scene. “Instead, we’re leaving with broken hearts.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office at (864) 260-4400 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.