South Sudanese Gang Members Shoot and Stab Themselves on Christmas Day
2 min read‘Confusion and chaos’ at Lincoln social hall shooting
A private party at a north Lincoln social hall erupted in gunshots and chaos early Wednesday, sending three men to the hospital.
One victim was shot several times, police said, and another had wounds consistent with those from a katana sword, a Japanese blade used by samurais.
Police arrived to find bedlam at the Welfare Society Inc. social hall at 1430 N. 10th St. at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.
“There was a lot of confusion and chaos,” said Capt. Jon Sundermeier, head of criminal investigations for the Lincoln Police Department. “It appears to have started with a stabbing that caused a lot of people to flee the building.”
Then shots rang out in the street.
Majok Riak, 25, was hit several times, and Dian Domach and Ruachjuoth Thok, both 20, were stabbed. All three remained hospitalized Wednesday in serious or critical condition but were expected to survive.
Police originally thought Thok’s stab wounds were so serious that he also might have been shot. Capt. Jim Davidsaver later said Thok probably was stabbed with a sword officers found at the scene.
Police have been interviewing witnesses, but they said the cause of the incident still was under investigation. They hadn’t released the names of any suspects Wednesday evening.
The hall’s manager, Ernie Covert, said the hall had been rented for a private party, and the renter brought in private security.
Sundermeier said two security officers told police about 300 people had been at the hall.
Officer Katie Flood said Wednesday morning that police believe all three of the injured men were victims and that none had wielded a knife or gun.
The hall remained an active crime scene and still was taped off Wednesday night.
“I hope they’re finished with it soon,” Covert said. “We’ve got it booked this weekend.”
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