Over the weekend, a peaceful gathering at an Oklahoma park descended into chaos as gunfire erupted, injuring nearly twenty people. Law enforcement officials are now uncovering new details to understand what led to the outbreak of violence.
According to authorities, the incident occurred after a disagreement among attendees at an unsanctioned party that had been organized via social media. The gathering took place near a campground at Arcadia Lake, which is situated just north of Oklahoma City, on Sunday night, as reported by The Associated Press.
The shooting resulted in critical injuries for at least three individuals. As of now, police are actively searching for suspects, but no arrests have been made.
Jeremiah Smith, an 18-year-old eyewitness, estimated that the event drew a crowd of over 250 people. He noted that the gunfire began following a dispute among a group of girls concerning their boyfriends.
Edmond fire crews were seen entering the Scissortail Campground at Arcadia Lake in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Monday, May 4, 2026, in the aftermath of the shooting that occurred Sunday night. (Alonzo Adams/AP)
“It just started a whole bunch of chaos,” Smith recounted.
“Everybody got scared, dudes was panicking, women was panicking, people seeing their friends fight,” he added.
Smith reportedly heard shots coming from different directions for several minutes as he ran toward the lake, adding that two of his friends were hit by gunfire.
A pavilion at Scissortail Campground in Edmond, Okla., is shown on May 4, 2026, a day after a shooting at a party on Sunday evening. (Alonzo Adams/AP)
At least 18 people were transported to local hospitals with injuries, with one healthcare system reporting victims ranging in age from 16 to 30.
Edmond police revealed Monday that the event was an unsanctioned party that had been promoted on social media — marking the latest viral gathering to wreak havoc on communities across the country.
While authorities did not provide specific details regarding the planned event, a flyer was reportedly circulating online promising food, drinks and “good vibes, good people” at the park’s pavilion until midnight.
Police talk to two men at the entrance of Scissortail Campground at Arcadia Lake in Edmond, Okla., on Monday, May 4, 2026, after a party shooting on Sunday evening. (Alonzo Adams/AP)
According to Edmond Mayor Mark Nash, the shooting occurred at a park that could be reserved for large groups.
“To our knowledge, there was no reservation through the parks department,” Nash said, adding, “We’re already taking steps to review and strengthen park operations, permitting processes and security measures.”
A pavilion at Scissortail Campground in Edmond, Okla., is shown on May 4, 2026, a day after a shooting at a party on Sunday evening. (Alonzo Adams/AP)
The shooting came just hours after a shooting at a party in the Texas Panhandle left two teens dead and 10 injured after local authorities said two individuals opened fire at an apartment complex Saturday.
The Edmond Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
