Two people were killed and at least 16 others injured in separate shootings during Juneteenth celebrations in South Carolina and Oklahoma, authorities confirmed.
Police in Anderson County and Tulsa are investigating the unrelated incidents, both of which occurred on the night of June 21 as large crowds gathered to honor the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.
In Anderson County, a woman was killed and nine others injured near a Veterans of Foreign Wars post, where the county’s sixth annual Juneteenth event was taking place. Meanwhile, in Tulsa, gunfire erupted during the 2025 Juneteenth Festival, leaving a 22-year-old man dead and seven people wounded.
As of June 22, no arrests have been made. Both shootings remain under investigation.
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Police: Argument escalated into the shooting in South Carolina
On June 22, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that detectives are actively investigating the Juneteenth shooting and have identified several persons of interest.
A large crowd had gathered along Scarborough Road near the Georgia border—about 36 miles southwest of Greenville, South Carolina—for a Juneteenth celebration that remained peaceful throughout most of June 21. However, tensions escalated when an argument broke out in a parking lot, leading to multiple gunshots and widespread panic.
Deputies responded around 10 p.m. following reports of multiple victims. Over 100 emergency responders arrived to a chaotic scene, with crowds fleeing and debris, including shoes and clothing, scattered across the road.
One woman, 35-year-old Laporshia Janae Gray Cobb of Anderson, was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The coroner ruled her death a homicide. Several others were hospitalized, with some transported by private vehicles.
Detectives continued canvassing the area on June 22 and are urging anyone with information to contact Anderson Area Crime Stoppers. Authorities clarified that while the shooting occurred just outside a Veterans of Foreign Wars post, the location was not affiliated with the Juneteenth event.
Tulsa police believe at least 2 suspects were involved in the shooting
Gunfire broke out around 11 p.m. on June 21 during the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival, prompting chaos as crowds fled in all directions, according to the Tulsa Police Department. Officers were already present at the event in the city’s historic Greenwood District—once known as “Black Wall Street”—when shots rang out.
A 22-year-old man was fatally shot under an overpass, and seven others, including a 17-year-old and an elderly woman, were injured. Victims were transported to local hospitals, with at least one—a 24-year-old man—reported in critical condition as of June 22.
The shooting sparked panic across downtown, forcing officers to clear the Greenwood area and respond to overcrowding in the nearby Blue Dome District, where bars exceeded capacity and requested police help. Tulsa police and fire crews stabilized the area by night’s end.
The crime scene spanned several blocks, and Greenwood was shut down from the I-244 overpass to John Hope Franklin Boulevard. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities. Police believe at least two shooters were involved but said witnesses have been reluctant or unable to identify suspects or intended targets.
‘This pattern of violence must be stopped’
The shooting at the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival was part of a violent weekend that included multiple shootings across the city, police said.
In response, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols has instructed the police chief and public safety teams to increase enforcement downtown and citywide. Nichols emphasized the city’s commitment to long-term solutions, including youth programs and community-based violence prevention.
“These acts reflect a disturbing pattern of brazen lawlessness by those who disregard life and public safety,” Nichols said in a June 22 statement. “We must stop this violence—Tulsa belongs to all of us, and we are strongest when we protect each other. We will not accept this as normal.”
Festival organizers issued a statement confirming their cooperation with police and emergency responders. They noted that on-site security and medical teams responded quickly and that all festival programming has been canceled out of respect for the victims.
“Please keep our community in your prayers,” organizers said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Juneteenth celebrations in South Carolina and Oklahoma?
Separate shootings occurred on the night of June 21, 2025, during Juneteenth events in Anderson County, South Carolina, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Two people were killed and at least 16 others were injured.
How many people were killed or injured in these incidents?
Two people died—one in each state—and at least 16 others sustained injuries.
Where did the South Carolina shooting take place?
The incident happened near a Veterans of Foreign Wars post on Scarborough Road in Anderson County, South Carolina, during the county’s sixth annual Juneteenth celebration.
Who was the victim in the South Carolina shooting?
Laporshia Janae Gray Cobb, 35, from Anderson, was killed by a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Where did the Oklahoma shooting happen?
The Tulsa shooting took place during the Juneteenth Festival in the city’s historic Greenwood District, once known as “Black Wall Street.”
Who died in the Tulsa shooting?
A 22-year-old man was killed under an overpass near the festival area. His identity has not been publicly released.
Were any suspects arrested?
As of June 22, 2025, no arrests have been made in either shooting. Both incidents remain under investigation.
Are police actively investigating these cases?
Yes. Law enforcement in both cities is actively investigating. In Tulsa, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is assisting. In Anderson County, officials have identified persons of interest.
How did local leaders respond to the violence?
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols condemned the violence and directed city officials to intensify public safety efforts. He also emphasized long-term strategies like youth outreach and violence prevention.
What actions have Juneteenth event organizers taken?
Organizers in Tulsa canceled all remaining festival programming and are cooperating with law enforcement. They also expressed sympathy for those affected and asked the public to keep the community in their prayers.
Conclusion
The tragic shootings during Juneteenth celebrations in Anderson County, South Carolina, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, have left two dead and at least 16 injured, casting a somber shadow over what is meant to be a day of unity and historical reflection. As investigations continue, local authorities and community leaders are urging public cooperation and reinforcing their commitment to preventing further violence through immediate action and long-term community engagement.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for collective efforts to ensure safety at public events and to address the root causes of gun violence in our communities.
