A mass shooting in a park just north of Detroit left over a dozen people injured when a gunman opened fire on a gathering, and authorities say the suspect died by suicide. County officials have since taken the lead on the investigation, coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to map out what happened and to support those affected and their families.
The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. local time (2100 GMT) at a park that features a water element in Rochester Hills, located north of Detroit. A male shooter emerged from a vehicle and fired a handgun chambered in 9mm, targeting the crowd as panicked bystanders sprinted for cover. The shot sequence appeared rapid, drawing a chaotic scene in a place meant for leisure and family moments.
Witnesses recount that children were among the present, and authorities confirmed that at least one eight-year-old was struck by gunfire. Investigators estimated the gunfire included at least 28 rounds, and three magazines were recovered from the scene as evidence for the ongoing inquiry.
Investigators followed leads to a nearby residence where the suspect had taken shelter and later died by suicide, according to officials within the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s officials described the sequence as a deadly rampage that unfolded in a public space with no clear, direct tie to the victims—a detail underscoring the unpredictable danger of random attacks.
During a press briefing, Sheriff Michael Bouchard described the events: the individual stopped, exited the vehicle, moved toward the water feature, opened fire, reloaded, fired again, reloaded, and then left the scene. His account emphasized the lack of an obvious motive or connection to those who were harmed.
Local leaders expressed their shared shock and resolve in the aftermath. Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett noted that national leaders and lawmakers had reached out for updates on the status of the victims and the unfolding investigation. The mayor framed the incident as a stark reminder of the recurring safety challenges faced by communities across the country.
In the hours and days that followed, responses from local agencies included coordinated efforts with state authorities and federal partners to ensure families affected received appropriate support. Officials directed residents to official channels for information, while community leaders highlighted the priority of keeping public spaces safe for gatherings and ensuring responders who faced a chaotic and dangerous scene are acknowledged and supported. The broader conversation around park safety, crowd management, and gun-violence preparedness gained renewed emphasis as authorities worked to provide clarity and comfort to residents coping with the shock of a violent event in a familiar outdoor setting.