WTRF

3 people shot at Pennsylvania amusement park, including 2 teens

John Lynch and AP

Three people including two teenagers were shot late Saturday at an amusement park southeast of Pittsburgh, which was kicking off a Halloween-themed festival.

A law enforcement officer walks past an EMS crew on the scene at Kennywood Park, an amusement park in West Mifflin, Pa., early Sunday, Sept 25, 2022. Pennsylvania police and first responders have descended on the amusement park southeast of Pittsburgh following reports of shots fired inside the attraction, which was kicking off a Halloween-themed festival. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Police said two 15-year-olds and an adult man were injured during the shooting reported around 11 p.m. at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The victims were treated at hospitals and expected to recover, KDKA-TV reported.

The shooting occurred at the “Lost Kennywood” section by the “Music Express” ride.

Authorities said an argument between two groups of teenagers prompted the shooting by a suspect described as a male wearing a mask and black hoodie, KDKA-TV reported.

Kennywood had functioning metal detectors and security personnel were on duty, police said, leaving the unanswered question of how a gun entered the park.

Police are investigating using the park’s security cameras and witness statements, KDKA-TV reported.

Police said they need help to identify the suspect and need anyone with video or information to call them at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.

The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department posted a tweet around midnight saying its officers “are assisting with the reports of shots fired at Kennywood.”

Kennywood posted a statement on Twitter around 12:30 a.m. Sunday announcing the park’s temporary closure and cooperation with authorities.

“The park is closed for the night and all guests have exited. We are aware of a situation that occurred this evening and are working with local law enforcement. The safety of our guests and Team Members are our top priority. Members of the park’s security, Allegheny County, and West Mifflin police departments were already on site and immediately responded,” the post said.

An advisory posted by the West Mifflin Borough at 1:50 a.m. Sunday said Kennywood Boulevard had been reopened.

Kennywood was celebrating the first night of its Phantom Fall Fest, scheduled to run through Oct. 16, according to the park’s website. The website advised the park would reopen on Friday, Sept. 30, with tickets for the day of the shooting valid on any other day of Phantom Fall Fest.

The website bills the park as a family fun destination featuring seven roller coasters and rides for children.