MANASSAS, Va. — A teenage girl was killed and a 21-year-old man was seriously injured after gunfire erupted during the popular First Friday event in Old Town Manassas, sending thousands of attendees scrambling for safety and prompting a major police investigation.
According to the Manassas Police Department, the shooting occurred Friday night, September 4, near the railroad tracks close to Foster’s Grille and the Manassas train depot in the area of Battle and Center streets. Authorities said approximately 10,000 people had gathered in Old Town for the monthly community event when the violence broke out.
Police confirmed that a 16-year-old girl was pronounced dead, while a 21-year-old man suffered serious injuries and was transported to a Fairfax County hospital. Officials said the man is expected to survive. The names of the victims have not been publicly released.
Panic During Crowded Event
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as shots rang out in the middle of the crowded gathering. Families, visitors and business owners sought shelter while police quickly moved into the area to secure the scene.
Authorities initially advised people to avoid Old Town Manassas and follow instructions from emergency personnel as investigators worked to determine exactly what happened. A reunification area was later established for people attempting to locate friends or relatives who had attended the event.
Search for Suspect Continues
As of Saturday, no suspect had been identified or taken into custody. Police Chief Doug Keen described the incident as an active shooter investigation and urged the public to assist detectives by reviewing cellphone videos, photos and surveillance footage captured near the railroad tracks, the train depot and surrounding businesses.
Investigators are particularly interested in digital evidence that may show the moments before, during or after the shooting. Police have established a secure evidence-submission portal and are asking witnesses not to post potentially important videos publicly before sharing them with detectives.
Community Reacts
The shooting has shaken the Manassas community, where First Friday events are intended to bring residents, families and visitors together for music, dining and entertainment.
Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger called the violence heartbreaking and emphasized that the community deserves to feel safe during public gatherings. City leaders and law enforcement officials have pledged to continue working to identify those responsible.
Crime scene investigators remained in the area overnight collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing available video. Detectives have not released information regarding a possible motive or whether the victims were specifically targeted.
Anyone with information, photos or video related to the shooting is encouraged to contact Detective Tim Urey of the Manassas Police Department at 703-257-8043.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected as authorities continue to pursue leads in the case.
