One person died and nine others were injured during a mass shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Anderson County, South Carolina, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The incident occurred just before 11:00 p.m. near the Veterans of Foreign Wars post along Scarborough Road during the county’s sixth annual Juneteenth celebration.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of multiple people shot in what officials described as a chaotic scene. At least 10 people were gunned down in a neighborhood after a fight ensued on the street and shots rang out, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sole fatality was identified as 35-year-old Laporshia Janae Gray Cobb, who died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. One patient was flown to Greenville Memorial Hospital, while at least eight others were transported to nearby hospitals in Anderson and Greenville.
The shooting left hundreds of people scattered across the area, with witnesses and first responders finding shoes and debris scattered throughout the roadway. The incident created what authorities described as “a chaotic scene” as panicked celebration attendees fled the area.
More than 100 law enforcement personnel responded to the scene, including deputies, emergency medical services, firefighters, state troopers, and members of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The massive response reflected the scale and severity of the incident during what was intended to be a community celebration.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that while the shooting occurred within feet of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post, the organization had no affiliation with the Juneteenth event itself. The post was simply located near where the community celebration was taking place.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and has become an increasingly prominent celebration in communities across the country. The Anderson County event was the sixth annual celebration of its kind in the area, drawing large crowds for what was expected to be a peaceful community gathering.
As of Sunday, June 22, no suspect had been identified or arrested in connection with the shooting. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the investigation remains active, with detectives and deputies continuing to work the unfolding scene and gather evidence.
The shooting adds to a concerning pattern of mass violence at community gatherings and celebrations across the country. The incident occurred during a holiday weekend when many communities hold outdoor events and celebrations, often drawing large crowds to public spaces.
Authorities have not released information about a possible motive for the shooting or whether the gunman had any connection to the Juneteenth celebration or the attendees. The investigation is focusing on determining the circumstances that led to the initial fight and subsequent gunfire.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment about the investigation or potential leads in the case. Officials have indicated they will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The shooting occurred in a residential neighborhood setting, with the celebration taking place in an area that typically hosts community events. The location’s proximity to the VFW post provided a reference point for emergency responders, though the veterans’ organization was not involved in organizing or hosting the celebration.
Emergency medical personnel faced the challenge of treating multiple gunshot victims simultaneously while securing the scene and ensuring the safety of other celebration attendees. The coordination between various agencies allowed for rapid medical response and transportation of the injured to appropriate medical facilities.
The incident has left the Anderson County community grappling with violence that disrupted what was intended to be a celebration of freedom and community unity. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting and work to identify those responsible for the attack.
