Children were performing at a dance recital. Then 2 people were shot.
Two people were shot inside a historic Alabama theater during a children's dance recital, and one person has turned himself in, according to local police.
A suspect, 27-year-old Marcus Deangelo Sanders, has been charged with murder and first-degree assault, the Mobile County District Attorney's Office confirmed to Paste BN on June 2.
The shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. on June 1 inside the Saenger Theatre in Mobile, a spokesperson for the Mobile Police Department confirmed to Paste BN.
According to police, someone called about three people who had been shot, but it turned out that two were injured. One person, 27-year-old Carl Williams III, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim was rushed to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Sanders had allegedly argued with a male he knew inside the building, then shot the person, hitting a second person as well, police said.
Sanders fled on foot, then turned himself in to authorities shortly after, police said. He was booked into Metro Jail the night of June 1.
Questions surround security protocols at the event
The Saenger Theatre did not immediately respond to requests for comment on June 2.
Mobile Police Chief William Jackson told local media that he isn’t sure what the theater’s protocols are or how the shooter was able to take a gun inside the venue.
“I can tell you that they weren’t in place tonight as far as I can see,” he said. “I don’t know what their normal protocols are but you would think for a child’s dance recital, that typically wouldn’t be something that’s necessary. We’ll know more in the days to come.”
The chief added that "to bring this to a child’s dance recital is despicable.”
Mobile mayor, dance studio director release statements
The mayor of Mobile, Alabama Sandy Stimpson released a statement on the shooting which reads in part: "It is shocking that anyone would bring a loaded gun to a child’s dance recital — and even more unimaginable that someone would fire a weapon in a crowded theater, just feet from where young children were performing on stage. There is no conflict, dispute, or disagreement worth putting so many people at risk or subjecting children to such lasting trauma. It’s sickening."
The dance studio that was holding the recital has also released a statement online from the director addressing the tragedy.
It reads in part: "It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today, following the tragic event that unfolded at our Recital. Our community has been profoundly affected, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to everyone involved." And that, "Together, we will navigate this tragedy and emerge stronger as a Dance family and community."
The statement also goes on to say that there will be support services, counseling, and resources available in the coming days for dance students.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on Paste BN's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.