Two people were killed and two others were injured after a gunman or gunmen shot four people near a church in Mount Airy, North Carolina on Thursday afternoon, January 30. According to the Surry County Sheriff's Office, the mass shooting incident took place on Samurai Lane, off Welcome Baptist Church Road, on the east side of town at around 2 PM.
One died on the spot and the other three were transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre in Winston-Salem, where another succumbed to gun wounds. Welcome Baptist Church said the shooting took place on the street and church activities are not involved in the incident.
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Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected, including the first responders and investigators working this case,” Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt stated.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are helping in the investigation. Officials asked the public to avoid the area due to a large police presence that is expected to remain for some time.