Asheville shooting leaves two dead and seven wounded in retaliatory attack

A shooting in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, left two people dead and seven others wounded during the early morning hours of July 19. The incident occurred near the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue, an area known for its nightlife and tourism.

Asheville Police Department Interim Chief Jackie Stepp stated that investigators have determined the shooting was a “direct retaliatory act” linked to a previous shooting at an apartment complex on July 5. While the violence involved two groups of individuals with known ties who have engaged in ongoing retaliatory acts, officials declined to officially classify the incident as gang-related.

Police responded to the scene around 2:20 a.m. following reports of shots fired. Despite life-saving efforts by officers, EMS, and the Asheville Fire Department, two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven other individuals were transported to Mission Hospital for treatment. Authorities have identified several persons of interest and are continuing their investigation.