In southeastern North Carolina, a large‐scale shooting at a weekend party resulted in the deaths of two people and critically injured several others, law enforcement officials confirmed on Saturday. According to a news release issued by the office of Burnis Wilkins, the sheriff of Robeson County, 13 individuals were struck by gunfire at a gathering held in a rural area outside the town of Maxton, located approximately 95 miles southwest of Raleigh and close to the South Carolina border.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday in a location that had drawn over 150 attendees. Many of those present fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement officers. According to the sheriff’s office, the party, held at a rural site, evolved into a confrontation when unknown assailants opened fire, prompting an abrupt and chaotic exit by participants. Officials stressed that while the situation remains under investigation, there is currently no indication of an ongoing threat to the wider community — they are describing the shooting as an isolated incident.
In its statement, the Robeson County sheriff’s office said: “There is no current threat to the community as this appears to have been an isolated incident.” Investigators remain at the site, interviewing witnesses and urging anyone who was present to come forward with any relevant information.
The identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been released. Officials say some of the wounded are in critical condition. Law enforcement has not announced any arrests as of Saturday afternoon, and the motive behind the shooting remains under review. The scene remains active with homicide investigators coordinating with crime scene personnel and forensic teams to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Local authorities say the gathering drew a large crowd and the scale of the incident reflects ongoing concerns about gun violence in rural and social‐gathering settings in the region. While the sheriff’s statement noted no “ongoing threat,” the fact that residents fled a remote site adds challenges to canvassing witnesses and uncovering critical evidence. Law enforcement officials have asked anyone who was at the party, or otherwise has knowledge of the incident, to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Community leaders in the area expressed shock at the violent outbreak during what was described as a weekend social event. For many residents, the remote‐area nature of the gathering contrasts sharply with the severity of the incident. A local gathering expected to be celebratory was instead marred by gunfire and panic, leaving a rural community grappling with sudden tragedy. Some attendees described the moment they fled the scene, but full testimony has yet to become public.
The incident comes at a time when rural communities across the United States are grappling with the spread of gun violence beyond traditionally high‐density urban environments. Experts say that gatherings in remote or lightly supervised settings may pose increased risk, given challenges in witness retention, rapid departure of attendees, and slower emergency‐response times. In this case, the rapid exodus of more than 150 people has complicated the work of investigators who must identify suspects, reconstruct trajectories, and collect reliable statements.
In response, the sheriff’s office has pledged to maintain a visible presence in the area to reassure residents and monitor any further developments. The community has been asked to preserve any footage, images, or relevant communication that might aid the investigation. Officials also reiterated that no arrests had been made and that the case remains active, with investigators focusing on establishing a clear timeline and identifying individuals involved in the shoot-out.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how a large social gathering in a rural setting came to end with multiple casualties and what preventive measures can be taken in the future. Authorities emphasised that although the incident appears isolated at this time, they remain vigilant and committed to bringing responsible parties to justice. Residents and community members are encouraged to remain alert and share any relevant information, while local leadership is expected to convene meetings in coming days to address community safety and review preventive strategies.
Though the immediate threat to the community is deemed contained, the emotional and operational fallout from the shooting will ripple across the region in the days ahead. As families of the deceased, those critically wounded and the broader community await further details, law enforcement's focus remains on identifying the motive, pursuing leads and restoring a sense of security in a community abruptly shaken by violence.
