HEMPSTEAD, Texas – Seven bystanders were shot Sunday night after a gunman opened fire following a fight at a trail ride event near Prairie View A&M University.
According to the Waller County Sheriff, four women, two men, and one child were hit by gunfire and left injured at the trail ride event which was being held at 35028 Cameron Road.
On Monday morning, the office of Sheriff Troy Guidry said the “trail ride pasture party” was being held in conjunction with PVAMU’s homecoming party.
Authorities said all seven victims sustained gunshot wounds to their lower extremities and at this time have no known life-threatening injuries.
Multiple Life Flight helicopters were called to come to the scene and assist with transporting the victims.
Officials were able to evacuate the wounded eventgoers and established a landing zone for Life Flight in the Buc-ee’s parking lot on FM 362 and US-290.
Guidry said that security was provided at the event by the Waller County Pct. 3 Constables and an unknown private security agency.
The sheriff’s office also stated that “none of the security protocols that were established by the permitting body and agreed to by the promoter were found to be followed at the time of the incident.”
Before official details were revealed Monday morning, the Waller Co. Sheriff’s Office posted this to Facebook, “The mass gathering was approved by the County Judge for the location of FM 362 and Cameron Rd. The party promoter agreed to follow the Judge’s instructions. Please avoid the area of FM 362 to avoid traffic due to people organizing parking in the approved pastures.”
Deputies have not yet released information regarding a possible suspect in this case.
It is estimated that more than 1,000 people were in attendance at the event.
FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: KPRC 2′s Moriah Ballard speaks about her experience during the shooting at Prairie View A&M