A Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock became the scene of a tragedy when gunfire erupted, disrupting a day meant to honor freedom and community. According to KXAN, two people were fatally shot and 14 others were injured, among them children. The violence unfolded as a dispute between two groups escalated in Old Settlers Park late in the evening, with the involved individuals fleeing the scene immediately after. Meanwhile, attendees like Amber Megens, a nurse present at the event, jumped into action to assist the wounded. Megens recalled one particularly dire situation, “checking for a pulse” of an injured woman, but to no avail as the victim showed no signs of life.

Local police have since been on the lookout for the suspect, described as a thin-built black male, around 19–20 years old, standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with short dreads, last seen adorned in a white hoodie. Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks has emphasized the severity of the incident, denouncing it as a "reckless action" on a day meant for celebration. Chief Banks labeled the suspect as "armed and dangerous" in a statement obtained by KXAN and urged the public to exercise caution.

The shooting left many grappling with the shock and sudden turn from festivity to fear. Festivalgoers LaTisha Agent and Paige Overland, who had been enjoying the day's activities, found themselves in disbelief as the event took a horrific turn. "I couldn't get out of that place fast enough," Agent recounted in an interview with KVUE. Overland, a trauma therapist, expressed a mix of gratitude and overwhelming sadness, emphasizing the psychological and emotional impacts of the shooting. Both witnesses reflected on the incident's lasting effects on their sense of security and their inclination toward large gatherings.

Overland, in her professional capacity, encourages anyone struggling with the aftermath to reach out and speak to a professional, stating, "It's okay to go get help," according to a KVUE interview. The shooting at Round Rock serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a celebration of freedom and unity can be marred by acts of violence and the deep scars it leaves on the collective and individual psyche.