Community reacts to shooting at Round Rock Juneteenth celebration

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Two people were killed and 14 others injured in a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock Saturday night.

Police identified the victims as Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, from Manor and Ara Duke, 54, from Pflugerville.

The shooting happened during a Juneteenth celebration at Old Settlers Park around 10:50 p.m., following a fight between two groups who were at the event, Round Rock police said.

Several people, including artists who performed or were scheduled to perform at the event, as well as local and state leaders issued statements in response to the incident.

Gov. Greg Abbott

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday the Governor's Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect or suspects, on top of rewards from The Williamson County Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The governor issued the following statement:

Cecilia and I are deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy this past weekend that took the lives of two innocent Texans and injured fourteen other victims at a Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock," said Governor Abbott. "Texas is deploying our full support to local law enforcement to ensure those involved in this heinous crime are found and brought to justice. I encourage Texans with information relating to this crime to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. With your help, we will capture these criminals and put them behind bars.

Gov. Greg Abbott

Rep. James Talarico

Texas Rep. James Talarico, who represents part of the Round Rock area, issued the following statement:

I am devastated by [Saturday] night’s shooting in Round Rock. Juneteenth should be a time to gather together safely — without the threat of gun violence. 

My condolences go out to the families of those affected by this tragedy. I wish a speedy recovery to those who are injured. 

It is past time that the Texas Legislature moves beyond ‘thoughts and prayers’ rhetoric and gets serious about gun safety. 

I believe in the power of prayer. But there is something profoundly cynical about asking God to solve a problem that we are not willing to solve ourselves.

Rep. Talarico

Mayor Craig Morgan

Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan stressed the city’s commitment to “safety, celebration and unity,” and said city leaders share their condolences with those injured and killed in the shooting.

I know Round Rock residents are devastated as they wake up to the terrible news of [Saturday] night’s tragic events. To the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones, please know that our entire community mourns with you. To those who were injured, we are here to support you in your recovery.

We are a community that values safety, celebration and unity, and we are committed to ensuring that our community heals through this event together. We will not let this incident define us, nor will we let fear take hold. Instead, we will support each other, offer help where it is needed, and remain united in our resolve to make Round Rock a safe and welcoming place for all.

Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan

Several artists who were slated to perform at the celebration Saturday also made posts and shared statements following the shooting.

Dat Boy Play

Round Rock based DJ Dat Boy Play made a post on Instagram saying as a DJ/host of the event, he was devastated.

I'm heartbroken by the tragic events at the Round Rock festival, where we lost two lives and many were injured.

My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. As the DJ/host of the event, I am devastated and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire community.

DJ Dat Boy Play

Sean Ardoin

Sean Ardoin was one of the performers on Saturday's lineup. He posted a video on Instagram saying he was sending his thoughts and prayers to those affected.

"Prayers to all the affected and their families and thanks to all who reached to check on me, love yall," he said in the caption.

In the video, he also commended the parks and recreation staff and first responders for their response and for dispersing a crowd that he said was more than 20,000 people in a "calm" and "orderly" but fast manner.

Ardoin said although it was a tragic situation, the workers staffing the event helped contain the chaos and responded well to the incident.

Paul Wall

Paul Wall, a rapper and DJ based in Georgetown, also performed at the festival Saturday.

He posted on Facebook just hours after the shooting, " Prayers up for Round Rock! This truly hurts my heart."

Lloyd

Lloyd, a famous R&B singer, posted on his Instagram the shooting happened as his band was setting up to perform Saturday night right after Paul Wall's set.

This year's Juneteenth Festival has been prematurely ended, and I’m so sorry I didn’t get the chance to perform for the thousands of families who stayed all day to see me perform.

But even more than that, I am sorry that someone has the AUDACITY to dishonor the legacy and history of all the great Americans who have sacrificed their blood sweat tears labor and peace of mind, just for my gun happy generation to kill each other over nothing. I am sick to my stomach, heartbroken, and disappointed.

I pray that everyone makes it home safely and I hope to be able to come back to Round Rock, Texas and celebrate love and life in the future.

Lloyd