At least nine people have been shot on a popular boardwalk, with terrifying footage showing beachgoers running for their liv
Multiple people including children have been shot on a popular boardwalk in Florida, with terrifying footage showing beachgoers running for their lives.
The mass shooting broke out on Monday evening during crowded Memorial Day celebrations in Hollywood Beach, about 30 minutes north of Miami.
CBS News Miami reports nine people were taken to area hospitals, five were taken into custody and one person is possibly still at large.
At least three of the shooting victims are minors, according to the broadcaster.
Officials have not yet confirmed those numbers.
A YouTube livestream showed people sprinting away on the busy boardwalk, while videos posted on social media showed emergency services and bystanders helping victims lying on the sand.
At least one victim appeared to be lying motionless.
“Police are responding right now,” Mayor Josh Levy told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
“We have victims treated by police and paramedics on scene and transported to the hospital. It seemed like people might have gotten caught in the crossfire. But I can’t verify that.”
The shooting occurred at about 6.45pm (8.45am AEST) local time in the 1200 block of North Broadwalk, officials said.
“Please avoid the area of Johnson to Garfield Streets, as well as the Broadwalk, due to an ongoing shooting investigation,” Hollywood Police said on Twitter.
“Heavy police presence in the area. If you are looking to reunite with a family member, we have set up a reunification area at Johnson St and N Ocean bus loop.”
Mr Levy said told the newspaper, “Our beach has millions of beachgoers a year. It’s a very popular and beautiful destination. This is a never before occurrence. Ordinarily it’s a peaceful beach.”
In a statement, he also thanked the “good Samaritans, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses for their immediate response to aid the victims of today’s shooting”.
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