A Juneteenth festival held annually in Round Rock, Texas, spiraled into turmoil on Saturday night, June 15, 2024 when gunshots rang out, causing the death of two people and injuring 14 others. The shooting took place at about 10:50 p.m. at the well-known Old Settlers Park, the usual venue for the yearly celebration.
The Round Rock Police Department reported that a clash occurred between two groups near where the vendors were located. In the ensuing chaos, at least one person drew a gun and started shooting, resulting in the tragic loss. “It breaks your heart for a family that was coming out to enjoy their evening, and now their life is forever changed as a result of somebody who couldn’t care less about somebody else’s life,” stated Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks during a press conference.
The victims who lost their lives in this incident have been named as Ara Duke, 54, from Pflugerville, and Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, from Manor. It was confirmed by police officials that both Duke and Vicknair were not part of the initial dispute. Fourteen other people, including four adults and two children, were sent to local trauma centers with potential serious injuries.
First responders on the scene reacted immediately, administering life-saving measures such as tourniquets and CPR. Their swift response was crucial in handling the immediate repercussions of the shooting. The Austin-Travis County EMS was instrumental in ferrying the injured to hospitals for further medical attention.
The investigation is still underway, but the Lonestar Fugitive Task Force arrested 17-year-old Ricky Thompson III on Thursday morning, June 20 in Pflugerville. He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is being held in the Williamson County Jail.
All scheduled activities for the following Sunday morning at the park were called off to facilitate the investigation and maintain public safety. However, the park was reopened by the afternoon for Father’s Day festivities. The Juneteenth Festival, a valued Round Rock event that celebrates African American freedom and culture, is coordinated by local nonprofit organizations in conjunction with the city government.