Girl, 12, Killed in Baltimore Park After Two Men Open Fire in Dispute Over Parking Space

A 12-year-old girl was fatally shot in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday evening after two men got into an argument over a parking space and opened fire on each other, police said.

The girl was caught in the crossfire at Leon Day Park, where a youth football game was being played. Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said officers responded to the scene at approximately 6:15 p.m. local time.

“What we know is there was some type of argument between two cowards,” Worley said at a news conference. “They both opened fire on each other. In the crossfire, a 12-year-old little girl, who was probably down there watching football, was shot and killed.”

The girl, who has not been publicly named by police, was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Worley said she was not the intended target of the shooting.

A 25-year-old woman was also found at the scene with gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

Two men, aged 23 and 28, later walked into area hospitals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. A 35-year-old woman also sought treatment for a graze wound to her back.

All four surviving victims suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed outrage at the incident. “Two grown men got into an argument, and now a 12-year-old is gone,” Scott said. “We never should have to say something like that. What happened out here today is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Scott also said the girl had been at the park for a homecoming event. “Her family is going to be hurting for this for the rest of their lives,” he said.

“Her classmates are going to be hurting. Her community is going to be hurting because people can’t handle their conflict in a different way.”

Police are searching for at least two suspects in connection with the shooting. No arrests have been made . Worley said it remained unclear how many shots were fired and urged anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police.

Homicide detectives have taken control of the investigation. The incident occurred in a park where children were playing American football, and authorities noted that the girl was likely there watching the game when she was struck.

Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, including licensing requirements, background checks, purchase limits, and bans on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines.