SAVANNAH, Ga. (NEWSnet/AP) — An argument between two women led to a gunfight that left 11 people hurt in a busy tourist area of Savannah, Georgia, late Saturday.

That incident was one of five weekend shootings in the city, two of which were fatal, authorities said:

  • Friday shooting that resulted in an injury and arrest.
  • Separate shooting Friday that also resulted in an injury and arrest.
  • Dead juvenile found at a home after police answered a call about a home invasion.
  • One man dead and a juvenile injured after a shooting at an intersection Saturday night.
  • Gunfire incident just before midnight Saturday near Savannah’s Ellis Square with 11 injured, 10 of which were hit by gunfire.

 

Saturday night’s multiple shooting broke out as two women argued at a business, according to Police Chief Lenny Gunther, who didn’t name the establishment.

“One shot rang out. That triggered other individuals to shoot,” he said. “We had multiple individuals discharge their weapons to shoot at each other, which resulted in multiple people getting shot.”

Ten of the 11 injured were hit by gunfire. Authorities did not say what caused the 11th injury. Victims were treated at the scene and “several” were taken to a hospital, police said. None of thosee injuries appeared life threatening.

Ellis Square is in Savannah’s historic district, an area popular among tourists and locals.

 

Mayor Van Johnson said a proliferation of guns was a factor in the shootings and that reasonable gun control laws are needed. He also stressed the need for gun owners to keep their weapons from being stolen and for people carrying guns to know how and when to use them.

“We have to insist on smart gun laws,” Johnson said at a Sunday news conference. “And then, on the other end, we have to insist that people act responsibly with those weapons.”

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