Baltimore Shooting Near Youth Football Event Kills 12-Year-Old

A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were wounded after gunfire erupted near a youth football homecoming event at Leon Day Park in Baltimore, according to police. Authorities said the child was an unintended victim after two adult men allegedly opened fire during an argument near the gathering.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said investigators believe the confrontation began over a parking space. During a news conference, he said the dispute escalated when both men pulled guns and fired at each other. The girl, who was believed to have been at the park watching football, was struck in the exchange and later died.

Police responded to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road at about 6:15 p.m. after receiving multiple reports of shots fired, Baltimore police told Fox News Digital. When officers arrived, they found a 25-year-old woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound along with the 12-year-old girl. The child was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Investigators said two additional victims later sought treatment on their own at area hospitals. They were identified as a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old man, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said all three surviving victims were in stable condition.

Police search for suspects

As of Saturday evening, officers were searching for at least two suspects, both described as adult men. No arrests had been announced by late Saturday night. Authorities have not released further identifying details, and the investigation remains active.

Worley condemned the violence in blunt terms, saying the shooting stemmed from an argument between “two cowards” who chose to settle a dispute with gunfire. He said the case highlights the devastating consequences of reckless violence in public places, especially where children and families are gathered for community events.

Mayor calls killing devastating for community

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott gave an emotional response, saying the shooting happened because two adults could not resolve an argument without guns. He described the killing of a child at a youth event as one of the most disturbing incidents he had seen and said the loss would be felt far beyond the victim’s immediate family.

Scott said the girl’s death would leave lasting pain for her relatives, classmates and neighbors. He emphasized that her future had been taken away in an instant and said the community would carry that grief for years. His remarks underscored the broader trauma caused when violence interrupts spaces meant for children, recreation and neighborhood connection.

The shooting unfolded during a homecoming event hosted by a youth football league, turning what should have been a celebratory gathering into a crime scene. While investigators continue to piece together exactly how the exchange began and who fired the shots, officials have made clear that the preteen was not believed to be involved in the dispute.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland. Authorities have not said when they expect to announce arrests, but they continue to ask the public for help identifying the men responsible.