In the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills, Michigan, on June 15, 2024, at least eight people were wounded in a shooting incident at a splash pad. The suspect responsible for the attack took his own life following the random act of violence. According to reports from various sources including Fox 2 Detroit and Associated Press,
The shooter approached Brooklands Splashpad around 5:11 pm, armed with a 9mm pistol and began firing indiscriminately into the crowd. The youngest victim was an eight-year-old child, while other victims included adults. Three empty magazines were recovered at the scene.
Law enforcement officials quickly responded to the scene and contained the suspect in a nearby residence at Dequindre Estates mobile home park where a barricaded situation lasted for over five hours until his suicide. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard confirmed that negotiations with the suspect were ongoing before he ended his own life.
The shooting occurred near Auburn and John R roads, and authorities urged people to avoid the area as they continued their investigation. The victims were taken to various hospitals for treatment, with at least one victim being treated and released. Detectives and victim advocates were present at each hospital to assist the victims.
Congressman John James (R) was in downtown Detroit for former President Donald Trump's visit to Turning Point USA's convention at Huntington Place when he heard about the shooting. He rushed to the scene and expressed his condolences for those affected by the tragedy, as well as gratitude towards first responders who mitigated further damage.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also posted a message on social media expressing her concern for those involved in the incident.
This shooting comes after another tragic event at Oxford High School in 2021, where a 15-year-old student fatally shot four high school students. Rochester Hills is about 30 miles south of Detroit and has a population of approximately 76,000 people.
