Two people were injured in a shooting outside the Gary RailCats stadium following a graduation ceremony Sunday, authorities said.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:13 p.m. after the graduation ceremony for West Side Leadership Academy outside the U.S. Steel Yard stadium, home of the RailCats minor league baseball team. Graduates and guests were exiting the stadium when shots erupted from outside, authorities said. Two people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus for treatment.
The investigation remained ongoing late Sunday. Anyone with information was asked to contact Detective Sergeant Nielsen at 219-881-1210 or the Gary Police Department Crime Tip Line at 866-CRIME-GP.
Dr. Paige McNulty, manager of the school corporation, released the following statement regarding the shooting:
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"A day that was meant for celebration has now been marked by tragedy through senseless acts of gun violence. During the entire graduation, our students conducted themselves in an excellent manner. Meanwhile, the disruptive actions of a few overshadowed their special moment.
Thankfully, the offenders have been apprehended, but it doesn't change the hurt and disappointment our students, families and school community are now feeling. Our prayers are with those injured, and we continue to extend our congratulations to WSLA graduates. They deserve it."
