Shots Fired During Milwaukee’s Celebration Following NBA Finals Win, Three Wounded

Two shootings in downtown Milwaukee early Wednesday left three people wounded, police said.

Both shootings occurred at about 12:42 a.m. EST. at two locations near Water Street, police said in a statement. TV station WISN had a reporter broadcasting from the scene when multiple shots were heard, prompting people to flee. People were out celebrating in the streets after the Milwaukee Bucks won its first NBA championships in 50 years.

The shootings were across the Milwaukee River from Fiserv Forum, where the game was played, and the Deer District plaza, where a crowd of roughly 65,000 had gathered for an outdoor watch party. The shootings took place on a street heavily populated with bars and restaurants.

Police say both shootings happened simultaneously. One of the shootings left a 22-year-old man with non-life-threatening injuries, police said, and a suspect is in custody. In the other shooting, a 19-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man had non-life-threatening injuries. One person is in custody for that shooting while other suspects are being sought out, police say.

In another incident during Tuesday night’s game, a police officer was trampled by people trying to get into the Deer District watch party after the area reached capacity limits, Milwaukee police Capt. Jesús Ortiz said in an email. The officer didn’t sustain any major injuries but reported being in general pain.

Fans packed the streets surrounding the arena, cheering and dancing all night as they watched the game on giant video screens. Massive crowds erupted as the Bucks won the title behind Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s 50-point performance to clinch the team’s second title and first in over 50 years.

Article by Allan Perez