Source: Africa Publicity
At least four people were hospitalized after a shooting during celebrations marking Cape Verde’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage in Brockton, Massachusetts.
The shooting incident happened late Friday night, according to local media reports.
Brockton Police said officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire shortly before midnight at the intersection of Main Street and Park Street, where hundreds of people had gathered following Cape Verde’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia. Officers found at least four people suffering from gunshot wounds, all of whom were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Police have not released the victims’ identities or provided an update on their conditions. No arrests have been announced, and the shooting remains under investigation.
Local broadcaster WCVB reported that large crowds had gathered in downtown Brockton to celebrate Cape Verde becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds. Boston 25 News said investigators have not yet determined what led to the gunfire.
Brockton, located about 25 miles south of Boston, is home to the largest Cape Verdean community in the United States, making it a focal point for celebrations of the national team’s World Cup success.
The shooting follows another night of disorder after Cape Verde’s previous World Cup match, when police responded to separate shootings as crowds gathered in Brockton following the team’s draw with Uruguay.
Local media reported that two people were injured in separate incidents, while earlier celebrations after Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain led to multiple arrests as police dispersed large crowds.
