Halloween Party Shooting Leaves Two Dead and Six Injured in Jackson

Two people died and six others suffered injuries when masked gunmen entered a Halloween party at a venue in Jackson on Saturday. The Jackson Police Department confirmed that all eight victims were under the age of 21. Both fatalities were pronounced dead at the scene. One of those killed was a student at Jackson State University.

The attack took place at the Hideaway, a venue located on the 5100 block of I-55 North Frontage Road. Police Chief RaShall Brackney stated that the shooting marks the second incident at this specific location this year. She also noted a separate shooting occurred at a different event sponsored by the same promoter. Brackney said her department has contacted the promoters to discuss the severity of the incident and observed a pattern of irresponsibility.

The police chief announced that the investigation will extend beyond identifying the shooters. She said the department will review security arrangements, access control procedures, and applicable contracts. Brackney added that the FBI is assisting in reviewing surveillance footage from the scene. She stated, “We will examine the conduct of every responsible person - promoters, security personnel, business operators, [and] anyone else whose actions or failures may have contributed to this tragedy.”

Jackson State University canceled undergraduate classes for Monday and Tuesday in response to the shooting. At least one killed and one injured person were enrolled at the school. The university provided counseling resources to students, faculty, and staff, including the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services and the Employee Assistance Program. Administrative offices and the Lottie W. Thornton Early Childhood Center remain open. Students with internship or clinical obligations are still expected to meet attendance requirements unless they contact their instructors.

Two Jackson State University students, Ewin and Francillon, described leaving the party around 12:30 a.m. They departed roughly 30 minutes before learning the venue was a crime scene. Francillon, an out-of-state student from Boston, said she received texts from friends asking if she was okay. She noted that even friends far from Mississippi heard about the incident. Ewin and Francillon said they were wearing matching costumes when they left. “It was fun, until it wasn’t,” Ewin said.

The students expressed disbelief that they walked off the dance floor just before the violence. Ewin said, “If we didn’t leave when it was time to go, we would have been in that predicament, along with a lot of people that we know that was there and was running for their lives.” Francillon said two families cannot welcome their children home for Thanksgiving break. “It’s heartbreaking,” she said. The students said they knew one of the victims who was rushed to the hospital. Ewin said she does not want to see classmates in class with bandages and hospital beds.

Ewin and Francillon described the past 24 hours as emotional, noting a gray cloud hanging over the campus. Both said they feel on edge and wonder if they will feel safe going out again. Francillon said, “I’m heartbroken that two of my peers have lost their lives at the same exact place I was at right after I left.” Ewin added, “It’s like we can’t go out, we can’t have fun like how our moms and dads used to talk about back in the days.”