A joyous Fourth of July celebration in Salisbury, Maryland, turned into a scene of tragedy when gunfire erupted at a residential block party, leaving a 14-year-old boy dead and six others injured. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting shortly after midnight on Wednesday near Chippewa Boulevard and Kiowa Avenue.

According to initial investigations, seven individuals were shot during the gathering. The young victim, identified as Xavier Cordei Maddox, was transported to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The other six victims are also receiving treatment at TidalHealth, though their wounds are not considered life-threatening.

Authorities are actively investigating the incident and pursuing various leads, including executing search warrants related to vehicles present at the scene. Reports suggest that gang involvement is suspected, though it remains unclear whether the shooting was directly gang-related. Police believe multiple shooters were involved and are still at large. The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information to contact their Criminal Investigation Division or Crime Solvers.

This incident comes just days after a mass shooting in Baltimore, prompting Maryland Governor Wes Moore to issue a statement expressing his anguish and frustration over the escalating gun violence plaguing the state. He emphasized that gun violence affects everyone, regardless of location or background, and reiterated his commitment to addressing this critical issue.