'This is horrible': Outrage as gunshots fired near Oakland Strokes teen rowers during race in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Social media users on platform X (previously known as Twitter) were stunned and angered by news of a group of teenagers competing in a rowing race being fired upon.

The Daily Mail reported that the unsettling event unfolded during a regatta on the Sacramento River, with nine rowers aged between 15 and 16 participating.

A chilling video, recorded by the mother of one of the boys, documented the harrowing moment when gunshots abruptly disrupted the race on April 20.

Teens rowing get fired yet during the race 

According to the Daily Mail, a teenage rowing team had a terrifying encounter when an unidentified gunman started shooting at them during a race. The coxswain from Oakland Strokes can be seen in a panic, trying to figure out where the shots are coming from.

The video captured several splashes in the water, believed to be where the bullets hit. Initially, the boys thought it might be from a BB gun, but after reviewing the footage, they realized it was a real gun.

Fred Ackerman, a parent whose son was on the boat, told KTVU, "I was pretty shocked. I think all of us were. It's horrifying, to think in this peaceful, green setting, the final push of this race, to see and hear that. There were dozens and dozens of people, there were boaters and people walking around on the trail. Police don't know where the shots came from, but they do know it was a gun."

Despite the gunfire, no one was injured. However, the incident has deeply affected the club. The West Sacramento police are investigating the matter but have not made any arrests yet. Authorities and parents are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Ackerman emphasized, "No parent should give any thought to sending their child to a sporting event, to a concert, to an elementary school and think, my child might get shot today."

Internet users react to gunfire incident

A user wrote, "Wow that is horrible! Not really safe anywhere!"

Another user wrote, "This is awful, I’m praying for these children and their families."

A user commented, "This sucks."

Another user commented, "That is horrifying."

A user stated, "Jesus Christ, I’m glad no one was hurt."

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.