Residents, Visitors React to Fatal Mall Shooting in Muskogee

Muskogee residents are upset by the fatal shooting at Arrowhead Mall and saddened visitors to the Azalea Festival experienced the incident. Some believe the shooting stems from a growing gang problem.

Sunday, April 11th 2010, 11:13 pm

By: News 9


By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma – Muskogee residents are in shock after a shooting left one person dead and other injured at Arrowhead Mall. This is supposed to be the city's time to shine with thousands visiting for the annual Azalea Festival, but many ended up experiencing one of the city's darkest moments.

"We don't have a lot of violence. It's shocking," Jane Hart said.

"I think it's very sad…very sad situation indeed," said Angela Boshuizen, who is visiting for the Azalea Festival.

And while authorities work to catch the men responsible, for residents the reality of what has happened is still hard to believe.

"Probably rural areas or places that are not big cities, the usual comment is it doesn't happen here and yet it does indeed happen here," Steve Knapp said.

A lot of people in town blame rival gangs for the fatal shooting. Residents say the gang problem has been growing and they worry what happened at Arrowhead Mall may not be the last of it.

"A lot of people are wanting to stay in and stay away from the mall and bigger shopping areas," Hart said.

A fear some say will linger until the city begins addressing their gang problem.

"Here in Muskogee, we feel were immune to this stuff. I guess it proves nobody is," Knapp said.

More: Federal Agents Join Search For Muskogee Arrowhead Mall Shooting Suspects

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