Twelve people were shot with one victim confirmed dead in a mass shooting early Sunday morning near Hickory, according to the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.
WCNC reports the deadly shooting happened around 12:45 a.m. Sunday morning. Authorities found multiple gunshot victims at a home on Walnut Acres Drive in the Mountain View area of southwest Catawba County. Officials said the shots were fired during a house party, which included adults and people under 21 years old.
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Authorities said some people were injured by the gunfire, while others were injured trying to get away.
One person, later identified as 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood of Lenoir, died at the scene, while another remains in critical condition, officials said. In a news conference, officials said the 10 others have "serious" injuries, and it's possible more people could lose their lives.
"The people of North Carolina should be able to enjoy a spring evening," said James Barnacle, the special agent in charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's North Carolina office. "Unfortunately, violent crime came to this countryside."
During a press conference at 3:30 p.m., the Catawba County Sheriff's Office said some of the people who were shot had been released from the hospital, and that deputies received a noise-complaint call from the same home an hour before the shooting.
The sheriff's office said they don't believe the noise complaint was motive for the shooting.
The FBI is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of a suspect.
More than 80 shots were fired, officials said, adding the large crime scene extends to the street, the house, the backyard and the neighboring yard.
According to David Tolbert, who owns the home, his daughter told him she hired a young man for private security at the party.
No arrests have been made as of Sunday afternoon and authorities have not released information about potential suspects, but said they believe more than one shooter was involved. Officials said it appears the incident is isolated to the parties involved and there is no danger to the public.
North Carolina Josh Stein released the following statement from his X account:
Anna and I were heartbroken to learn of the early morning mass shooting in Catawba County and are praying for the victims and their families. I have spoken with Sheriff Brown to offer support to make sure the public is safe and the perpetrator is brought to justice.Gov. Josh Stein on X
The Hickory Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation are all assisting with the investigation.