Mass Shooting in Denver Leaves at Least 10 Wounded After Nuggets’ NBA Title Win

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Mass Shooting in Denver
Denver Police Department investigators work the scene of a mass shooting along Market Street between 20th and 21st avenues during a celebration after the Denver Nuggets won the team's first NBA Championship early Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

A mass shooting occurred in Denver in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving at least 10 people wounded. The incident took place in an area where basketball fans had been celebrating the Denver Nuggets’ first NBA title win. Police suspect that the shooting was triggered by a drug deal gone wrong. Police Chief Ron Thomas confirmed that all the injured individuals are expected to survive, including bystanders who were not involved in the drug deal.

The gunfire erupted at approximately 12:30 a.m., about three and a half hours after the game had ended. Approximately 20 rounds were fired at the scene, which was located about a mile away from the Ball Arena, where the Nuggets had defeated the Miami Heat the previous night.

One of the suspected shooters, a man, has been apprehended by the Denver Police Department. The investigation into the incident and the events leading up to the altercation is ongoing. Police spokesperson Doug Schepman stated that the shooting occurred in an area where a large gathering of celebratory fans had congregated during the night.

The crime scene was cordoned off with yellow police tape, and investigators were combing through the area, marking evidence and collecting information. The scene displayed remnants from the celebrations, including an electric scooter and a green rental bike.

Schepman mentioned that while there was a small crowd present at the time of the shooting, it had significantly dwindled. He noted that the shooting took place in an area where many people might have exited bars after the game. Police are currently interviewing witnesses and conducting an extensive investigation.

Eight individuals were transported to Denver Health Medical Center for treatment, with one person in critical condition, one in fair condition, and six in good condition, according to spokesperson Heather Burke. For inquiries regarding the two additional wounded individuals, the police should be contacted.

Schepman emphasized that law enforcement had increased its presence in the area in anticipation of the celebration. He explained that the quick response to the shooting was due to the significant number of officers already in the vicinity of 20th and Market.

Despite the tragic incident, the city of Denver has scheduled a celebratory parade in downtown Denver on Thursday morning.