Downtown Nashville was rocked during this weekend’s fireworks celebration when three people were struck by gunfire believed to be celebratory, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department . The shooting occurred during or shortly after the massive Let Freedom Sing! display, which drew an estimated 365,000 spectators to the area . Police continue to investigate the source of the shots, with no arrests made as of now.
Victims included a 60-year-old man who sustained a gunshot wound to his foot after being unable to pinpoint his exact location at the time he was hit . A 58-year-old woman was injured in the chest while sitting on steps near 7th Avenue and Broadway, where she had been waiting for a shuttle . The third victim, a 26-year-old woman, was struck in the face as she entered a rideshare vehicle around 1st Avenue and Demonbreun Street, suffering a facial injury and swelling to her upper lip .
All three individuals were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment . Thankfully, none of their injuries have been described as life-threatening, although the incident has shaken the community and raised concerns over the dangers of firing weapons into the air during celebrations.
Following the incident, Nashville police released a statement warning about the risks of celebratory gunfire, noting that stray bullets—even those fired high into the air—can return with enough force to cause serious injury or death when they descend. They strongly urged the public to refrain from discharging firearms in populated areas, especially during mass gatherings .