New Delhi: Tragedy struck the city of Denver on Monday night as a shooting took place near the arena where the Denver Nuggets celebrated their first NBA title victory. Nine people were injured in the incident, with three individuals listed in critical condition, according to the Denver Police Department. The authorities swiftly took a suspect into custody, who had also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Image source: David Zalubowski/AP
The shooting occurred on Market Street, close to the arena where the Denver Nuggets secured their hard-fought championship win over the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Denver Police Spokesperson Doug Schepman informed CBS News that the incident unfolded approximately three-and-a-half hours after the game had concluded, in an area that had previously witnessed the largest gathering of fans. However, at the time of the shooting, the crowd had thinned out.
Disturbing images from the crime scene depict shattered glass and debris scattered across the street. A significant perimeter was established, and investigators promptly arrived at the scene to begin their work.
Denver experienced jubilant celebrations throughout the city as fans poured into the streets following the Nuggets’ NBA triumph. This marked the first-ever NBA title for the city, as the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious with a 94-89 win over the Miami Heat.
Reports from U.S.-based news outlets indicate that the shooting unfolded approximately a kilometre away from the arena. The arrested suspect was apprehended and also sustained gunshot wounds.
Initially, there was some confusion regarding the number of individuals injured in the incident, as one of the victims had self-transported to the hospital. However, the total count of injured individuals has been confirmed as nine.
The Ball Arena, which has been the Nuggets’ home venue since 1999, was filled with exuberant fans throughout the NBA Finals. Denver’s journey to clinching their first championship was an impressive one, with standout performances from star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. In a remarkable display, Jokic and Murray became the first NBA duo to achieve 30-point triple-doubles in the same game during the series.
Image source: David Zalubowski/AP
The Nuggets had been a dominant force throughout the postseason, defeating notable teams such as the Phoenix Suns, led by Kevin Durant, and sweeping the LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers. Head coach Michael Malone expressed his contentment before the pivotal Game 5, claiming to have slept peacefully the night before.
The city of Denver and its basketball fans, amid the celebrations of their NBA victory, now find themselves grappling with the aftermath of this tragic incident. As the investigation unfolds, the community hopes for a swift recovery for the injured and seeks answers about the motive behind this senseless act of violence.
Previous shooting in Denver
Two Denver Police officers faced life-threatening situations within an ss than 16 hours on Wednesday, and their lives were miraculously spared thanks to the protective barrier provided by their bulletproof vests. This string of events has created a challenging week for Sgt. Bobby Waidler, the leader of the Denver Police Department’s resiliency and wellness program, as he grapples with the aftermath of these harrowing incidents.
The initial shooting unfolded at approximately 4 a.m. near the intersection of Speer Boulevard and Zuni Street. Nicholas Lendrum, emerging from a hotel, unexpectedly unleashed a hail of gunfire upon an officer who was diligently stationed inside his patrol car. Fortunately, the officer’s bulletproof vest absorbed the impact of three bullets, shielding him from grave harm. Despite sustaining these traumatic injuries, the valiant officer promptly returned fire, tragically resulting in the demise of Lendrum.
Later that day, at around 7:30 p.m., another intense exchange of gunfire erupted in the vicinity of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Cherry Street. This encounter transpired after an officer pursued an armed suspect, culminating in a chaotic shootout. Although this brave officer was struck once by a bullet, the vest acted as a critical barrier, preventing the potentially fatal consequences of the gunshot.