VIENNA, Ga. (WALB) — The sound of gunfire shattered a homecoming celebration in Dooly County over the weekend, leaving two people dead and dozens of others injured.

Now, as investigators work to determine what led to the shooting and who is responsible, residents are left trying to process what happened in their hometown.

For people who live near the area where the shooting happened, the night is difficult to forget. One longtime resident said he watched people running through the streets as gunfire erupted.

“You could hear shooting, shooting, shooting,” she said.

The woman, who said she is 57 and has lived in the community for years, said she remained on her porch until about 4:30 a.m., watching emergency lights throughout the neighborhood.

“I’ve never seen this in my life,” she said.

She said the experience has changed how safe she feels in her own neighborhood. “I’m scared to sit on the porch now, at night,” she said.

Families feared for their children

For families who had loved ones at the homecoming celebration, the night became a frantic search for answers.

One mother said three of her sons were at the event. She said one of her sons was standing near a person armed with what he described as an AK-47 when the shooting began.

“He just went to shoot, shoot, shoot,” she said her son told her.

She said her children dropped to the ground and ran for their lives.

“I was terrified. Just wanted to know, was my kids okay?” she said.

The mother said her daughter-in-law was also at the scene and tried to help people who had been shot.

She said she performed CPR on one victim and attempted to help another woman, identified as Ms. Tripp.

According to the mother, Tripp opened her home to people running from the gunfire. As Tripp turned to close the door, the mother said a bullet struck her in the shoulder and exited through her back. She said Tripp was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover, although the recovery will be slow.

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Neighbors opened their doors

As people ran from the gunfire, residents in the surrounding neighborhood opened their homes to people looking for somewhere safe.

The mother said several residents sheltered children and others fleeing the shooting. She said those residents allowed people inside while the shooting unfolded.

“I’m thankful that the people opened up their doors, let the kids come in to shelter, and make them feel safe,” she said.

For her, the response showed another side of a community dealing with tragedy.

“Everybody just really was out trying to have a good time. And for something like this to hit our town, it’s devastating,” she said.

Community looking for answers

Residents say the shooting has raised broader questions about safety, policing and the events that led up to the violence.

One resident interviewed by WALB said he believes local officials should be held accountable for how large gatherings and street events are handled. He also called on Gov. Brian Kemp to become involved.

For residents who witnessed the violence, however, the impact is already clear.

The longtime resident said she hopes parents will remain involved in their children’s lives and urged young people to stay away from violence.

“I feel sorry for the parents that lost their kids,” he said. “I know these people are hurting.”

The mother whose children survived the shooting said she wants Dooly County to heal.

“We gotta’ get strong, Dooly County,” she said. “And come together as one.”

Authorities have not publicly announced the full circumstances surrounding the shooting or identified all of those responsible.

WALB is continuing to follow the investigation and will update this story as more information becomes available.

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