July 17, 2025

Tragic Shooting at Juneteenth Celebration in South Carolina

News Summary

A shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in Anderson County, South Carolina, resulted in one fatality and nine injuries. The chaos unfolded after a fight broke out, leading to gunfire that left hundreds fleeing. The main victim was identified as Laporshia Cobb, 35. Authorities have arrested three suspects, all facing serious charges, while the community mourns the tragic loss and calls for justice.

South Carolina was rocked by a tragic shooting on June 21, 2025, during the sixth annual Juneteenth celebration in Anderson County. The incident left one person dead and nine others injured after a sudden outbreak of violence erupted, causing widespread panic among festival attendees.

The shooting took place around 10 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post, shortly after a fight broke out in the parking lot. The deceased victim has been identified as 35-year-old Laporshia Cobb, who succumbed to a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services (EMS).

Chaos ensued after the shots were fired, with hundreds of festivalgoers fleeing the area, leaving behind personal items such as shoes and debris scattered on the ground. The Juneteenth celebration had previously been peaceful before the altercation transformed it into a scene of fear and tragedy.

Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting one of the injured victims to Greenville Memorial Hospital via helicopter, while the other eight were treated at local hospitals in Anderson and Greenville. Reports indicate that the victims included individuals aged as young as 18.

Authorities quickly apprehended a suspect, identifying 18-year-old Tiyelle Rakelle Demon Hollings, who was arrested shortly after the incident. Hollings faces serious charges, including murder and nine counts of assault and battery. However, the investigation did not stop there. Two additional suspects were later detained: 18-year-old Kamiryn Ty’Zierriun Goss and 19-year-old Keeayatas Shameski Geer. Both are facing similar charges, including murder and multiple counts of high and aggravated assault and battery, and all suspects have been denied bond.

Authorities noted that the three suspects allegedly fired their weapons indiscriminately into a crowd, labeling the occurrence a “senseless act of violence.” As the investigation proceeds, detectives from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, supported by the Office of the Coroner, are reviewing evidence and conducting interviews with witnesses. Law enforcement officials have indicated that further charges may be filed as details emerge.

During court appearances, Goss and Geer pleaded their innocence but took the moment to extend apologies to the families of the victims. The emotional toll of the incident has been deeply felt, especially by Cobb’s family, who voiced their grief and their hope for justice during the hearings.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the Anderson County community is urged to come forward with information related to the event as authorities seek to piece together the chaos that unfolded. The CrimeStoppers program has been established to facilitate the reporting of tips or leads related to the incident.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the escalating gun violence that has plagued many communities across the nation. The ongoing investigation will continue to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss of life and the injuries suffered by those caught in the line of fire during what was supposed to be a celebration of freedom and culture.

The community remains vigilant as authorities work to ensure justice is served, hoping for a swift resolution to this heartbreaking event.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.