Huntington Beach, Calif. — A neighborhood Fourth of July gathering turned tragic when a man went on a stabbing spree, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring three others on Huntington Beach.
The incident occurred near 16th Street and Pecan Avenue, just a few blocks from the beach in a community known as “Surf City USA.”
The attack began around 11 p.m. on the night of July 4th, as residents gathered to watch fireworks. According to witnesses, a woman drove up to the group in a car, and a male passenger exited and began attacking people on the sidewalk.
Two men from the gathering bravely rushed the attacker and managed to tackle him until the police arrived.
ALSO READ: BLM Alaska Fire Service Update: 160 Active Wildfires Across State
First responders from the Huntington Beach Fire Department found five victims with stab wounds. Tragically, two of the victims died at the scene, while three others were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
according to ABCN news one of the deceased victims was due to get married in September, according to his friend, Deandre Adams, who witnessed the horrifying event. ” “In the evening, we were having a good time on the sidewalk watching the fireworks,” Adams said.” It’s heartbreaking. It’s just tragic.”
Police arrested three individuals in connection with the attack: the woman driving the car, the man who carried out the stabbings, and another male passenger.
However, only one person remains in custody, and it is not yet clear if they are a suspect or being charged with any crimes.
Authorities have not released the names of the suspects or the victims, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and whether the suspect had any prior connection to the victims.
“How this happened, what led up to it, what happened during that time period are all part of the investigation,” city spokeswoman Jennifer Carey said. And we hope to hear more as we go forward.”
This tragic event is a stark reminder of the violence that can erupt even during celebratory occasions.
The Fourth of July is historically one of the deadliest days of the year in the United States, with numerous incidents of violence reported across the country.
In addition to the Huntington Beach stabbing, shootings and other violent acts during the extended holiday weekend have left at least 18 people dead, including 11 in Chicago, and have injured dozens more nationwide.
ALSO READ: St. Paul Rodeo 2024: Schedule Highlights and How to Watch
The Huntington Beach community is reeling from the shock of this incident, with residents expressing their grief and disbelief. “Everybody there is really nice and easy going, they’re all neighbourly and help each other out,” said resident Al Pacella.
As the investigation continues, officers are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The major crimes unit of the Huntington Beach Police Department is handling the case, and they believe the stabbings were an isolated event, posing no further threat to the public.
Our condolences are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
