2 Teens Killed, 3 Injured in Shooting at Houston Pop-Up Party
A tragic shooting at a Houston pop-up party late Saturday night claimed the lives of two 16-year-olds and left three others wounded, including a 13-year-old girl in critical condition, according to local authorities.
Scene of Chaos at Makeshift Club
Police were alerted to the shooting around 11:20 p.m. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic scene with a large crowd fleeing from what appeared to be a makeshift club.
“As they arrived, they saw a very hectic scene, a large crowd of people running out of a makeshift club,” said Houston Police Assistant Chief Luis Menendez-Sierra during a news conference.
Responders found a 16-year-old boy fatally shot at the scene. A 16-year-old girl was rushed to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Victims Include Juveniles and Teens
Three other individuals were injured in the shooting:
- A 13-year-old girl remains in critical condition at the hospital.
- A 19-year-old woman transported herself to a hospital for treatment.
- Another unidentified individual sustained injuries.
Authorities have not yet identified a suspect and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A Dangerous Trend of Unsanctioned Parties
The party, which drew a crowd primarily of juveniles, was held in an unregulated, makeshift venue inside an empty business space.
“It looks like an empty business that was kind of just leased out, so they kind of made a makeshift club,” explained Menendez-Sierra.
He noted that such unsanctioned parties have become increasingly common, often organized through social media. Without proper oversight or security, these gatherings can escalate into dangerous situations.
“These makeshift, unsanctioned pop-up parties can quickly lead to chaos and violence,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez emphasized in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Police Launch Full Investigation
The Houston Police Department has pledged to dedicate all available resources to investigating the shooting and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, authorities are urging teenagers and their families to avoid attending these types of events for their safety.
“Pop-up parties raise public safety concerns, and teens need to stay away for their own safety,” Gonzalez added.
