10 People Shot While Celebrating Nuggets’ First NBA Championship Victory, Likely Stemming From Drug Deal

DENVER, COLORADO — In the aftermath of the Denver Nuggets’ first NBA championship win, a shooting incident resulted in 10 people injured, including a suspected shooter, amid celebrations downtown.

The violence likely resulted from a botched drug deal, according to police.

All victims are expected to survive; half are thought to be innocent bystanders. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas confirmed that 20 shots were fired approximately a mile from Ball Arena, where the Nuggets had secured their victory.

Police surveillance video of the shooting in Downtown Denver last night as the celebrations were wrapping up.

10 GSW victims. All expected to survive. 5-6 are considered bystanders. 4-5 are considered potentially associated with a drug deal gone wrong.

2 suspects in custody. pic.twitter.com/sJtljEwdZR

— Jeffrey Cook (@JeffreyCook) June 13, 2023

The incident occurred several hours after the game, with the crowd significantly decreased. The chaotic scene, captured live by Scott D’Angelo, showed panicked people seeking cover, police scrambling to respond, and victims screaming in pain. The shootout lasted around 20 seconds, leaving a bloody trail and bullet casings.

D’Angelo described feeling shaken and numb in the wake of the violence. The incident took place in Denver’s LoDo district, known for its vibrant nightlife and restaurants. The area remained sealed off as the investigation unfolded.