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10 Things to Know About the Hickory Mass Shooting
Key facts and information from law enforcement, the SBI, FBI, and Governor Josh Stein following the Mountain View mass shooting in Catawba County early this morning.
Victim Identified: A financial broker from Lenoir
Shawn Patrick Hood, 58, of Lenoir, NC, was identified as the deceased victim following the press conference today. Hood, a registered Republican, a 1992 graduate of East Tennessee State University, and a financial broker, was found dead at the scene. Sheriff Don Brown stated, “I want to share my deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. I’m sorry to everyone that has been affected by this senseless act of violence.”Governor Josh Stein responds
Governor Josh Stein expressed his condolences, saying, “Anna and I were heartbroken to learn of the early morning mass shooting in Catawba County and are praying for the victims and their families. I have spoken with Sheriff Brown to offer support to make sure the public is safe and the perpetrator is brought to justice.”Multiple shooters involved, investigation ongoing
Major Aaron Turk of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office reported, “Our investigation indicates more than one shooter was involved in the incident. We are still working to determine when they arrived, how they arrived, and what the reasoning was for their presence, also the motive.”Over 80 shots fired
Major Turk confirmed, “As I stand here, more than 80 shots were fired.” Authorities are still recovering shell casings and processing evidence at the scene. 11 victims were brought to the hospital, their identities have not been released by police.FBI steps in with resources and victim services
James Barnacle, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI, stated, “The FBI’s number one priority is to crush violent crime… we have victim services specialists meeting with victims… and FBI special agents helping with leads, investigations, and processing the crime scene.” The FBI has set up a digital tip line and urges witnesses to provide information at FBI.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. In a Facebook post Sunday evening, they said, “If you have video or photos from the party, upload them here fbi.gov/catawbacountyshooting.”SBI Supports Investigation and Interviews Witnesses
Angie Key, Special Agent in Charge of the NC SBI, said, “We are providing promising assistance, investigative assistance as far as interviews. We’ll continue to help with this case… we’re here until we can figure out who done this.”No arrests yet, investigators determined
“There have been no arrests as of this briefing,” said Major Turk. “We will spend days, nights, weeks, whatever it might take to find those responsible and hold them accountable.”Community shaken, but law enforcement determined
Sheriff Brown remarked, “This is not a common act or an incident that occurs here in Catawba County… we live in a great community, and this is something that is extremely rare.”District Attorney confident in justice process
Scott Reilly, District Attorney for Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties, assured, “I have full confidence in their abilities that they will hold and bring the people responsible to justice.”Large, complex crime scene still under investigation
Major Turk described the scene as spanning over two acres, with both indoor and outdoor locations. The FBI and Catawba County Sheriff’s Office are still processing evidence and generating leads.
Law enforcement continues to urge witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. This investigation remains active and ongoing.
Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress commentary
Pray for the Victims. Stand Together for Safer Communities.
The tragedy in Hickory’s Mountain View area has left a community in shock and families mourning. Hood lost his life in this senseless act of violence. As Catawba County Sheriff Brown said, “I’m sorry to everyone that has been affected by this senseless act of violence.”
Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
But beyond thoughts and prayers, this moment also calls us to reflect on how we can strengthen safety in our communities. As Major Turk noted, “We will spend days, nights, weeks, whatever it might take to find those responsible and hold them accountable.” While law enforcement agencies, including the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the NC SBI, work tirelessly to bring justice, we know that they can’t always be there in the moment a crisis unfolds.
When help is minutes away, seconds count. That’s why it’s essential to have proactive conversations about how law-abiding citizens can responsibly prepare and protect themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods. This isn’t about divisive rhetoric—it’s about finding common ground to support public safety.
Whether it’s investing in responsible gun ownership training, bolstering community watch efforts, or supporting local law enforcement, we all have a role to play. Criminals do not follow the law.
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