Nine teenagers were shot early Sunday at an after-prom party in Jasper, Texas, prompting what will be an increased police presence at the town’s high school this week, officials said.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office stated that none of the gunshot wounds were life-threatening in a statement that provided few further details about the shooting at a home in Jasper, a town of approximately 7,200 people located about 134 miles) northeast of Houston.
The sheriff’s office stated that the victims were brought to two hospitals but did not specify the number of shooters.
“This investigation is ongoing and people of interest are being questioned,” the statement said.
The victims ranged in age from 15 to 19, KBMT-KJAC television news reported.
The prom, a tradition in American high schools, was conducted at a church meeting hall on Saturday night, according to reports.
John Seybold, the superintendent of the Jasper Independent School District, promised complete cooperation with any inquiry by law authorities in an effort “to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
“There will be a much larger law enforcement presence this week to ensure student safety, as well as counselors on hand for any students who need their assistance,” Seybold said in the statement as reported by local media.
It will be recalled that four persons died during a teen birthday party shooting in Alabama last week.
The incident took place during a Sweet 16 party held at a dance studio in Dadeville, a small hamlet located to the northeast of Montgomery, the state capital.