Sheriff Identifies ‘Persons of Interest’ in Robeson County Mass Shooting; Arrests Still Pending

A Halloween gathering in Robeson County, N.C., turned tragic early Saturday morning when a disagreement between two groups escalated into a mass shooting. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins informed News13 that the violent incident occurred at an outdoor party attended by approximately 300 people.

“As deputies approached the scene, they were already receiving reports of multiple shooting victims. Upon their arrival, some of those injured were being transported to hospitals in Lumberton and Scotland County,” Wilkins stated.

The violent altercation resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others critically injured, with a total of 13 people shot at the event near Dixon and McGirt Gin roads outside Maxton. Before law enforcement could arrive, over 150 attendees had fled the scene.

“There were over 300 attendees, and although it’s still early in the investigation, initial findings suggest a confrontation between two groups led to gunfire, tragically impacting innocent bystanders,” Wilkins explained.

The response to the incident involved various agencies, including the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, the state Department of Alcohol Law Enforcement, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Maxton Police Department, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins’ office said the shooting was an isolated event and that there is no current threat to the community. Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 910-671-3100.

This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.