News Summary
A tragic shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in Anderson County, South Carolina, resulted in one death and multiple injuries. The incident unfolded at a VFW post, where a fight escalated into gunfire late at night, drawing significant emergency response. The victim, identified as a 35-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting highlights ongoing concerns about public safety at community events.
Anderson County Shooting Claims One Life During Juneteenth Celebration
Anderson County, South Carolina experienced a tragic incident on June 21, 2025, when a shooting during a Juneteenth celebration left one person dead and at least nine others injured. The event, held at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post, quickly turned chaotic, drawing significant law enforcement response as the aftermath unfolded around 11:00 p.m. local time.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) reported that the violence erupted following a fight that escalated into gunfire. The shooting is part of a concerning trend of public safety incidents occurring at community events.
Victims of the shooting included one individual, identified as 35-year-old Laporshia Janae Gray Cobb of Anderson, who was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The authorities have classified her death as a homicide.
In total, at least ten individuals were impacted by the shooting. One victim was critically injured and was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital, while eight others were taken to various local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed, but the influx of injured individuals placed a strain on regional medical resources.
The chaotic atmosphere witnessed by attendees left many families frightened, particularly as numerous children were present. Eyewitness accounts described the horrifying moment when the sounds of gunfire interrupted a celebratory event, leading to panic and quick dispersal among the crowd. Witnesses reported hearing “a bunch of pops” as the shooting unfolded.
More than 100 emergency responders, including law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighters, and state troopers, were dispatched to the scene. The sheer volume of personnel highlighted the urgency and severity of the situation as officers worked to manage the crowd and assist the injured.
Investigators from the ACSO dedicated hours to collecting evidence at the scene, where they discovered shell casings scattered around the area, indicating a rapid exchange of gunfire. Although the motive behind this tragic act remains unclear, authorities are exploring the possibility of a connection to the ongoing Juneteenth celebration.
At this time, no suspects have been formally identified, but deputies have named several persons of interest in their investigation. The ACSO has confirmed that they are conducting an active inquiry into the events that led up to the shooting and any potential associated motives.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars post, where the incident took place, has no official ties to the Juneteenth event, which further complicates the investigation as law enforcement seeks to establish how exactly the violence erupted during a typically peaceful celebratory gathering.
The Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, is generally celebrated with community gatherings, parades, and social events. However, this year’s festivities in Anderson County have been marred by tragedy, shifting focus from celebration to mourning as the community grapples with the consequences of this violence.
As officials continue their investigation, local residents and relatives of the victims are urged to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist law enforcement in understanding the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The ACSO has committed to providing updates as more details become available.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: 1 Dead, Multiple Injured in Anderson Co Shooting
- WYFF4: Anderson County Man Wanted Child Sex Crimes, Shootout
- People: One Dead, Nine Injured in Mass Shooting South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
- Google Search: Anderson County Shooting
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