Players seen scrambling as shots ring out at NC school football ceremony, injuring one

Gunfire erupted at a school football ceremony, sending young players scrambling for cover in North Carolina, video shows.

One woman was flown to a medical center with life-threatening injuries after the shooting on Wednesday, Nov. 16, according to the Lumberton Police Department.

“We’re not going to tolerate that kind of behavior on our campuses whether it occurs during the school day or after,” Freddie Williamson, superintendent of Public Schools of Robeson County, wrote in a statement. “Safety is our top priority as we will place additional measures necessary to ensure the safety of our students and the public on our campuses during games.”

Police were called after multiple shots rang out at the Lumberton High School football field. Students from Lumberton Junior High School and St. Pauls Middle School had been gathered there for a game, according to social media posts.

Video from Facebook user Antonio Bear McMillan shows players on the field before people start to scream about gunfire. The footage, which has some profane language, can be viewed here.

“We were waiting on the award ceremony after Saint Pauls won, and we heard something that sounded like gunshots,” parent Michael Scott told WPDE. “And we saw all the players take off running. And laying down in the field.”

Officers arrived at about 8 p.m. to find a 41-year-old woman seriously hurt in a parking lot.

“Prayers for the senseless situation that happened at LHS tonight at the conclusion of the (Public Schools of Robeson County) middle school football championship,” Tre’ Britt, a school board member, wrote on Facebook. “The football players from Lumberton Junior & St. Paul’s Middle worked hard to reach that stage & they WILL BE recognized for their efforts with a trophy presentation…..they deserve that moment and It’s already in the works!”

In his statement, Williamson said students were robbed of what should have been a memorable championship night. The district — which said there was already police presence and security checks at games — now plans to have counseling at both of the schools and will add extra campus lighting in an effort to improve safety.

“We are not going to give in to evil and we are not going to give in to fear,” Williamson wrote.

The Lumberton Police Department said it teamed up with local, state and federal agencies to investigate the case. Police and McMillan didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ requests for additional information on Nov. 17.

Lumberton is roughly 95 miles south of Raleigh.

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