Numerous states all over America have watched as crime and violence surged. While politicians try to address the issue and the Biden administration blames guns, the violence seems to be spreading as more and more headlines cover the rise in shootings. Most recently, five people, including an off-duty police officer, were killed on a hiking trail after a gunman opened fire on them. Although the identity of the gunman remains a mystery, authorities admitted to it being a 15-year-old male. He is currently being treated at a local hospital and is considered to be in critical condition. With an investigation still ongoing, it’s unclear at this time if the gunman shot himself in a suicide attempt or if the wound came from police officers during a gunfight.

Alongside the many questions growing around the developing story, investigators appear to have no motive behind the heinous shooting. What is known, the shooter killed three adult women. They were Susa Karnatz (49), Mary Marshall (35), and Nicole Connors (52). As for the off-duty officer, they were identified as Gabriel Torres (29). There was a fifth victim, who has not been identified but is a 16-year-old boy.

Go Ad-Free, Get Exclusive Shows and Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial

Around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, the gunman opened fire on the trail near the Neuse River Greenway. One witness recalled seeing the teenager wearing camouflage clothing as he crouched down. “He had to be between 13 and 16 max. He was a child. You just don’t imagine things like that. You hear about school shootings and stuff, but to really see something like that in your neighborhood is just …”

Another witness added, “I heard two gunshots, and they were really loud so I knew something was close by, and then I heard three other gunshots. I saw him basically pass my house in the backyard. He had a long-barrel shotgun. He was dressed in camo. He had a full backpack on that was also camouflage.”

The gunman eventually retreated to a secluded barn where the police reportedly caught up to him, but again, details surrounding what happened as the police approached and the wounds sustained by the shooter are still unknown.

Giving a news conference at Raleigh city hall, Governor Roy Cooper said, “Tonight, terror has reached our doorstep. The nightmare of every community has come to Raleigh. This is a senseless, horrific and infuriating act of violence that has been committed.” On Friday, the Governor ordered the flags at half-staff. “Today we’re sad, we’re angry, and we want to know the answers to all the questions. No neighborhood, no parent, no grandchild, and no grandparent should feel this fear in this community. No one. As policymakers, we will not turn away from what has happened here.”

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of DrewBerquist.com. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.