At Least 12 Shot, One Dead in Mass Shooting at North Carolina House Party
CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. – June 1, 2025 — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when gunfire erupted at a house party in a quiet North Carolina neighborhood, leaving at least 12 people shot, including one dead and another in critical condition, according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the shooting occurred around 12:45 a.m. at a residence on Walnut Acres Drive, a residential street just off Highway 127. What began as a large gathering of young adults quickly turned into a scene of chaos and bloodshed, as emergency responders were called to the scene amid reports of multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Deputies responding to the scene found a grim tableau: victims scattered throughout the property and yard, with some seeking shelter and others collapsed in critical condition. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that among the 12 people shot, one person has died from their injuries. Another victim remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital, while the remaining 10 are being treated for serious but non-life-threatening wounds.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin. The names and ages of the other victims are also being withheld at this time.
“It’s a heartbreaking situation,” said Sheriff Don Brown of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office during a Sunday morning press briefing. “What should have been a peaceful celebration turned into a senseless act of violence that has forever impacted the lives of more than a dozen families.”
Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed a motive or identified any suspects, but they are pursuing multiple leads. Witnesses are being interviewed, and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. Deputies indicated that several people may have been involved in the shooting and that the possibility of gang or retaliatory violence has not been ruled out.
A neighbor who lives two houses down from the scene told reporters that she heard a barrage of gunshots shortly after midnight. “It sounded like fireworks at first,” she said, “but then I realized it wasn’t stopping. It was just pop, pop, pop — maybe 20 or 30 rounds. It was terrifying.”
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward. “We are urging the community to help us,” said Sheriff Brown. “If you saw something or heard something, no matter how small it may seem, please contact our office. This investigation is ongoing, and the safety of our community depends on your cooperation.”
The Sheriff’s Office said it is increasing patrols in the area and working with state and federal partners to ensure public safety. Walnut Acres Drive remains closed as investigators continue to process the scene, collect shell casings, and document evidence.
The mass shooting marks one of the deadliest acts of gun violence in Catawba County in recent years. Community leaders and local officials expressed outrage and sadness as they called for calm and cooperation in the wake of the incident.
“This is not who we are,” said Catawba County Commissioner Helen Garcia. “We stand with the victims, and we demand justice. We must come together — as neighbors, as a county, and as human beings — to ensure that this never happens again.”
As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been made, and the investigation remains active. Law enforcement continues to canvass the neighborhood and analyze ballistic evidence. Victims are being treated at multiple hospitals in the region, including Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center.
More details are expected to emerge in the coming days as investigators work to piece together the events that led to the shooting. In the meantime, grief counselors and support services have been mobilized for victims’ families and the broader community.
