Just a reminder: There are no "safe" places.
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS (WWLP) - A verbal argument escalated into gunfire outside the Old First Church in Springfield's Court Square around 12:30 Sunday Morning.
Leftover pink and purple balloons hung from the ceiling at the banquet hall inside Old First Church. Hours before, friends and family were celebrating the birthday of a one year old girl.
Sgt. Roy Carter explained, a friend turned foe opened fire on the birthday girl's uncle. An argument spilled out into Court Square, wounding 38-year-old Ralph Gutierrez, shot in the leg. Police Commissioner Edward Flynn also responded to the melee.
"You got a one year old birthday party? And you got people bringing guns to it, what have they lost their minds?" questioned Springfield resident Marc Brookins.
Luis Alvarenga, is mission developer at the landmark church, and helped plan the party, "If such a peaceful event can turn violent that's awful and I'm concerned and I will be calling leaders across the city to make sure this violence is monitored." He showed 22News where the function turned dysfunctional.
There was security detail at the party, but according to the log he left at 9:30 pm leaving party goers unattended, to clean up by themselves.
Church leaders, held a meeting to discuss the future of banquets held on their grounds. "This affects not only the family but the community. A faith community, a business community and a community that wants to live together," said Fisk.
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS (WWLP) - A verbal argument escalated into gunfire outside the Old First Church in Springfield's Court Square around 12:30 Sunday Morning.
Leftover pink and purple balloons hung from the ceiling at the banquet hall inside Old First Church. Hours before, friends and family were celebrating the birthday of a one year old girl.
Sgt. Roy Carter explained, a friend turned foe opened fire on the birthday girl's uncle. An argument spilled out into Court Square, wounding 38-year-old Ralph Gutierrez, shot in the leg. Police Commissioner Edward Flynn also responded to the melee.
"You got a one year old birthday party? And you got people bringing guns to it, what have they lost their minds?" questioned Springfield resident Marc Brookins.
Luis Alvarenga, is mission developer at the landmark church, and helped plan the party, "If such a peaceful event can turn violent that's awful and I'm concerned and I will be calling leaders across the city to make sure this violence is monitored." He showed 22News where the function turned dysfunctional.
There was security detail at the party, but according to the log he left at 9:30 pm leaving party goers unattended, to clean up by themselves.
Church leaders, held a meeting to discuss the future of banquets held on their grounds. "This affects not only the family but the community. A faith community, a business community and a community that wants to live together," said Fisk.