Mass shooting in Wynwood leaves 1 dead, 6 injured. Cop describes it as a ‘war zone.’

The Memorial Day weekend began violently late Friday night when seven people were shot, one fatally, during a drive-by shooting on the street outside a rented party space on property that borders Overtown and Wynwood.

Most of the victims were taken to local hospitals by friends or acquaintances, police said. One remains in serious condition, the other five received more minor wounds.

Miami police officer and spokeswoman Kiara Delva said police were alerted to the mass shooting by an electronic monitoring device known as ShotSpotter, which relays gunfire sounds to police. When police arrived they found victims scattered about near Northwest 20th Street and First Court.

Delva said police have determined the shooter fired dozens of rounds from a car. The make is pending as the investigation continues.

On Saturday morning, detectives continued to investigate the scene and gather forensic evidence. More than three dozen yellow markers could be seen on the street, indicating the number of shell casings. Police found at least two different types of casings. It wasn’t immediately clear what caliber weapons were used.

Police on crime scene of a shooting where 7 people were injured on 2022 NW 1st. Court, Wynwood on Friday night, May 28th., 2021.
Police on crime scene of a shooting where 7 people were injured on 2022 NW 1st. Court, Wynwood on Friday night, May 28th., 2021.

Six of the victims were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, Delva said. A seventh went to the University of Miami hospital. The shooter remained at-large Saturday morning.

Promoters of the party at the event space advertised it on fliers as a Caribbean-themed gathering.

According to a law enforcement source familiar with the incident, one or two people may have been targeted. Whoever fired, apparently shot indiscriminately into a crowd of people. Video footage of the incident, the source said, looks like a “war zone.” By Saturday morning the shooter still had not been identified.

A nearby business owner said he has bullet holes in his fence.

Witnesses told WSVN that it appeared to be a drive-by shooting and that dozens of gunfire blasts were heard.

“I remember it was just the gun and smoke coming out, like, the back window, because he was just in the back of the car,” a witness told the station.

As of Saturday police had not confirmed that account.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava took to Twitter to urge for there to be no more “senseless violence”.

“Horrified and heartbroken by this start to the holiday weekend,” Cava tweeted. “I urge our community to be safe and smart. Please—don’t let any more lives end in senseless violence.”

Roads near the crime scene remained closed on Saturday afternoon and police urged the public to avoid the area. Anyone with information is should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

The area of Northwest First Court and 20th Street in Wynwood. Miami police are investigating a shooting just before midnight on May 28, 2021, that sent seven people to hospitals.
The area of Northwest First Court and 20th Street in Wynwood. Miami police are investigating a shooting just before midnight on May 28, 2021, that sent seven people to hospitals.

Miami Herald Reporter Devoun Cetoute contributed to this report.