What began as a festive block party drawing hundreds of people ended in gunfire in rural Georgia, leaving two young men dead and dozens more wounded, authorities said.
Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy told a news conference that the victims were men aged 21 and 23. They were shot and killed in Vienna, Georgia, about 216km south of Atlanta.
Officials said 35 people were injured, with most suffering gunshot wounds. Some of the wounded were reported to be in critical condition, according to local and state authorities.
Investigators said the crowd had gathered for a community event marking the conclusion of a local high school’s homecoming week, a tradition that typically brings out families and alumni.
Authorities said they do not believe the public faces an ongoing threat.
Police have not publicly identified any suspects or persons of interest and have not announced a motive.
“We don’t want to presume as to what caused it,” said Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Those injured range in age from 14 to 51, officials said.
