Two people were killed and 35 others sustained injuries after a gunman opened fire during an unpermitted homecoming block party in Vienna, Georgia. The violent incident occurred at approximately 1:25 a.m. on Pine Street, drawing a massive response from local, regional, and state law enforcement agencies.
The Dooly County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that roughly 1,000 people had gathered in the historic small South Georgia city for the celebration, located approximately two hours south of Atlanta. Authorities identified the two deceased victims as 21-year-old Jue’Von Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old McCaleb Jackson of Hawkinsville. Dooly County Coroner Brett Walls stated that each man suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
Chaos Erupts Across Multiple Blocks
According to Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy, deputies were already stationed at both ends of Pine Street to manage traffic when gunfire unexpectedly broke out across a four-block span. Investigators later determined that at least 50 shots were fired across two different locations about a block apart.
Panic ensued and crowds scrambled to flee the area. Some attendees were struck by passing vehicles while trying to escape the gunfire. First responders and emergency crews rushed to the scene amidst crowded roads and reports of continued shooting nearby, working swiftly to triage and transport the wounded.
Victims and Hospital Transport
The 35 surviving victims range in age from 14 to 51, presenting with conditions spanning from stable to critical. Emergency medical personnel transported the injured to four regional medical facilities, including Crisp County Hospital, Bleckley Memorial Hospital, a hospital in Perry, and Atrium Health Navicent in Macon.
Dooly County High School Superintendent Sherrod Willaford clarified that the gathering was not a school-sponsored event, though he acknowledged its deep impact on local students and families. Schools remained open following the tragedy, with additional safety protocols implemented to support the community.
Multi-Agency Investigation and Manhunt
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) stepped in to lead the inquiry at the request of the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office. GBI Director Chris Hosey confirmed that six investigative work units have been activated across the region to locate suspects and determine a possible motive.
Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or determined how many shooters were involved in the attack. Once the investigation concludes, the complete case file will be forwarded to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information, photographs, or video footage of the homecoming block party to contact the GBI Perry office or submit an anonymous tip through the state’s online reporting system.
