A dispute between two women erupted into chaos on Saturday, resulting in a mass shooting that injured eleven people in Savannah, Georgia’s bustling tourist hub.

Police Chief Lenny Gunther disclosed during a press briefing that the altercation initially ignited in an unspecified establishment before escalating into violence in Ellis Square, situated in Savannah’s historic district, just before midnight. Of the eleven injured, ten sustained gunshot wounds.

“One shot rang out. That triggered other individuals to shoot,” Gunther explained. “We had multiple individuals discharge their weapons, resulting in multiple casualties.”

The cause of the eleventh injury remains undisclosed. While some victims received on-site treatment, others were transported to hospitals. Fortunately, all victims are expected to recuperate.

According to local TV station WTOC, the victims’ ages range from 20 to 38, and authorities do not suspect gang involvement in the shooting.

The Ellis Square incident was one of five shootings that occurred in Savannah over the weekend, with two resulting in fatalities.

The #FBI & the @SavPolice are requesting the public’s assistance with the investigation into the shootings near Savannah's Ellis Square on 5/18/24. If you have any media related to the incident, such as cell phone video, please upload here: https://t.co/KSIWgX4AKx pic.twitter.com/QJHLoAUuiS

— FBI Atlanta (@FBIAtlanta) May 20, 2024

The first two shootings transpired on Friday, each resulting in non-life-threatening injuries and arrests. On Saturday, responding to a home invasion report, authorities discovered a deceased juvenile. Initial reports suggest gunfire ensued after a resident confronted an armed intruder.

Another shooting occurred at a Savannah intersection on Saturday night, claiming one life and injuring a juvenile.

Mayor Van Johnson highlighted the prevalence of firearms as a contributing factor to the shootings, emphasizing the necessity for sensible gun control laws. He also stressed responsible firearm ownership and usage, urging gun owners to prevent theft and individuals carrying guns to understand appropriate usage.

“We have to insist on smart gun laws,” Johnson stated during a Sunday news briefing. “And then, on the other end, we have to insist that people act responsibly with those weapons.”

The mass shooting, occurring a week before the Memorial Day weekend, heightened concerns for public safety. Gunther reassured the public that police staffing would be adequate to ensure safety.

Situated in Savannah’s historic district, Ellis Square is a popular destination among tourists and locals alike, recognized for its large fountain and a life-sized statue of songwriter Johnny Mercer.