News Summary
A tragic shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in Anderson County, South Carolina, left one person dead and nine injured. The incident erupted from an argument at a VFW post, leading to chaos among attendees. Authorities are currently investigating and have identified an individual of interest. The event, meant to celebrate freedom and unity, has heightened calls for safety during public gatherings.
Anderson County, SC: One Killed and Nine Injured in Juneteenth Celebration Shooting
A shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in Anderson County, South Carolina, resulted in one death and nine injuries on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The incident took place near a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post on Scarborough Road, where approximately 500 people had gathered to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
The shooting left 35-year-old Laporshia Janae Gray Cobb dead at the scene, having suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. In addition to Cobb, nine other individuals were shot. One of them was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital for urgent medical care, while eight others were transported to local hospitals in Anderson and Greenville, with at least two victims reported to have sustained serious injuries.
The chaos unfolded shortly after an argument erupted in the parking lot of the VFW post, leading to panic among attendees. People fled the area, leaving behind shoes and personal belongings amid the confusion. As law enforcement and emergency responders arrived, more than 100 officers were deployed to handle the situation.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office state that the investigation is still active. Detectives have identified an individual of interest in connection with the shooting but have not made any arrests as of yet. Officials are urging anyone with information to contact local authorities through Crimestoppers.
Evidence collected at the scene included numerous shell casings and evidence markers, indicating the shooting was severe and widespread. The chaotic scene necessitated a thorough examination to ensure all aspects of the incident were fully understood. The VFW post involved in the shooting is reportedly not affiliated with the Juneteenth celebration.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described the scene as rapidly transforming from a festive celebration to a scene of panic and distress. Many families, including children, were present at the event, exacerbating the tragic nature of the incident. Eyewitnesses noted that the atmosphere quickly shifted, with attendees scattering in fear as gunfire erupted. The aftermath left the parking lot strewn with debris, marking a stark contrast to the joyous celebration that had taken place moments earlier.
Context of the Event
Juneteenth is a significant annual celebration commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This holiday, observed on June 19th, has grown in prominence over recent years. The event in Anderson County was intended as a family-friendly gathering to celebrate the importance of freedom and unity. However, the violence experienced during this year’s celebration has drawn attention to the need for increased safety measures during public events.
The tragic incident has left the local community in shock as they grapple with the aftermath of the shooting. Local leaders and citizens are calling for increased vigilance and solidarity in the wake of this event, emphasizing the importance of communal harmony, especially during such auspicious celebrations.
The situation continues to evolve, and the community remains on alert as law enforcement conducts its investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available and authorities pursue leads in the ongoing case.
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Additional Resources
- People: One Dead, Nine Injured in Mass Shooting
- WSPA: 1 Dead, Multiple Injured in Anderson Co. Shooting
- Fox News: One Dead, Ten Shot During South Carolina Juneteenth Event
- WLOS: South Carolina Juneteenth Celebration Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
