7 Shot During Boston Caribbean Carnival Event During Parade

Published August 26, 2023

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — During a Boston Caribbean Carnival event in Dorchester, seven people were shot on Saturday morning, as confirmed by police. The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. at 10 Talbot Ave., close to Blue Hill Avenue. Boston Emergency Medical Services reported that the victims, who suffered non-critical injuries, were taken to nearby hospitals.

The shooting took place during the J’ouvert parade of the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston (CACAB), though it was not directly linked to the parade itself. Commissioner Michael Cox suggested the possibility of a conflict between two groups being the cause. Due to the event’s proximity, the parade on Talbot Avenue was halted.

However, the main Caribbean Carnival parade and subsequent events continued as planned. “Despite this act of violence, we are determined to maintain the festival’s spirit of family and peace,” said CACAB president Shirley Shillingford.

Authorities recovered several firearms and detained two individuals in relation to the shooting. Without revealing their identities, Commissioner Cox confirmed their custody.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Boston City Council President Ed Flynn tweeted about the ongoing gun violence crisis, emphasizing the urgency for a robust strategy. Moreover, an incident near the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club saw a van with a shattered window and graffiti.

Today’s mass shooting highlights the gun violence crisis we are facing. This is a public health & public safety emergency. @bostonpolice continue to confiscate and recover guns at an alarming rate and now is the time to come together & develop a gun violence strategy in Boston.
— Ed Flynn 愛德華費連 (@EdforBoston) August 26, 2023

Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy expressed her dismay, especially given the festival’s child-centric nature, condemning the act of violence on such an occasion. Notably, this year marks the carnival’s 50th anniversary, with the main parade occurring on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Roxbury.