Denver police are investigating a deadly shooting that left one person dead and three others injured during a gathering in southeast Denver late Saturday night, authorities said.
The shooting occurred near East Hampden Avenue and South Galena Street around 11 p.m., according to a statement posted by Denver police. Officers said the incident took place in a parking lot where people had gathered for what was described as a celebration connected to the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Police initially reported that one individual had been taken to a hospital with injuries of unknown severity. In an update early Sunday morning, authorities said they had identified three additional victims. By Sunday afternoon, police confirmed that a 16-year-old male had died. Another victim remained in critical condition, while the conditions of two others who were transported to hospitals by private vehicles were not disclosed.
According to police, one of the additional victims was found inside a vehicle near Iliff Avenue and Havana Street, where that individual was pronounced dead. Investigators have not released any suspect information and said the case remains under active investigation.
Witnesses in the area described a growing crowd earlier in the evening. A local food truck operator told local media that he closed his business and contacted police after observing increased noise and alcohol consumption as the gathering expanded.
By midday Sunday, police tape had been removed from the parking lot, damaged vehicles were towed away, and crews began cleaning up broken glass and debris left at the scene.
The gathering followed reports of a U.S. operation that removed Maduro from power and transferred him to the United States. The development has prompted sharply mixed reactions internationally and among Venezuelan communities, including demonstrations and celebrations in several cities.
Authorities have not indicated whether the shooting was directly connected to the event being celebrated. Police urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
