A shooting Sunday that ended Worcester Caribbean American Carnival early did not reflect the joy and celebration the event elicited throughout the day, according to organizers, politicians and attendees.
Around 6 p.m. Sunday, six hours into the event, a 15-year-old and 23-year-old were shot in close proximity to the event and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute on Boynton Street near the intersection of Salisbury Street outside of Institute Park, but that the two victims were bystanders and not involved in the dispute.
Worcester Police then shut down the event which was supposed to end at 7 p.m.
“The event through the day was amazing, it was an amazing celebration of our culture … of the city and our community,” Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association President Jennifer Gaskin told MassLive. “We were disappointed and disheartened and saddened by the way that we had to end the event.”
Gaskin said she is praying for the two people who were injured, and hopes that the people who witnessed the event can get the support they need as well since it was a traumatic way to end a day that started with community, celebration, joy and connection.
A stilt walker makes his way through the crowd at Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Sunday Aug. 27.
“We were so excited to see everyone out there, everyone celebrating with us,” Gaskin said. “And we just wish that it could have concluded on a better note, but we will continue to work with the city and our community to address what occurred and hopefully put measures in place to better support the community to prevent future acts of violence.”
Prior to the shooting, hundreds gathered in the streets of Worcester to make their way from Worcester City Hall to Institute Park dancing to the music of soca artists Patrice Roberts and Machel Montano, and representing different Caribbean cultures with intricate feathered costumes.
At the park, the joy continued with children playing soccer, vendors selling Caribbean specialties like Jamaican patties and sorrel drink, and performances that included a dancing stilt walker. That joy was then cut short when shots rang out nearby.
“I am saddened and angry about the senseless violence that occurred today in our city,” state Sen. Robyn Kennedy, D-Worcester, wrote in a statement on social media. “My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted. I hope they receive the support they need to heal.”
I am saddened and angry about the senseless violence that occurred today in our city. My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted. I hope they receive the support they need to heal. pic.twitter.com/qwU1EI9H0r
— SenRobynKennedy (@senrobynkennedy) August 28, 2023
Kennedy went on to say the shooting is not a reflection of Worcester Caribbean American Carnival and that she is grateful to the organizers for the work they did to bring a beautiful celebration of Caribbean culture and tradition to the community.
Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, Councilor-at-Large Khrystian King, and District 5 candidate Edson Montero, who performed in the parade, were among the event’s attendees.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Petty thanked the event organizers for their incredible work and resilience and the first responders for their swift response to the shooting.
A person in costume walks during the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival on August 27, 2023.
“In times like these, it’s essential for us to remember the strength that resides within our diverse community,” Petty wrote, “Worcester has always been a tapestry of cultures, a vibrant mosaic that enriches our city’s fabric.”
My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and all those affected by the incident at today’s Worcester Caribbean American Carnival. We stand united in offering our support during this difficult time. I would like to thank the organizers of the WCAC for their incredible work… https://t.co/XascM4X7hH
— Joe Petty (@MayorJoePetty) August 28, 2023
Events such as Sunday’s allow the city to showcase its traditions, shares its stories and come together as one, Petty said.
“We will not let fear or violence tarnish the spirt of togetherness that our festivals represent,” Petty wrote. “Instead, we will stand strong, united in our commitment to fostering a community that celebrates difference and finds strength in its diversity.”
Councilor King had a large sign on one of the trucks playing music in the parade letting the crowd know he is running for mayor in the upcoming election.
I am praying for the recovery of all victims and witnesses; while being grateful to the police and first responders who engaged so swiftly.
The effective response was a direct result of the Worcester Carnival Caribbean American Carnival Associations safety planning, which was pic.twitter.com/zssrAhJJvu
— CTE Khrystian King 4 Mayor (@King4Worcester) August 28, 2023
King thanked first responders in a post on X and said the effective response was a direct result of the WCACA safety planning was coordinated with the city.
The event is a “staple of our community”, King said. “And [its] operations are directed impeccably by its lead organizer and her teamed organization.”
King echoed sentiments that the violence is not a reflection of the event.
“The carnival highlights Worcester and its surrounding community’s diversity, while allowing for embracing of shared traditions across generations and demographics,” King wrote.
So far no arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified in the shooting.
