Police and federal authorities are probing a shooting near a mosque in Columbus, Ohio. The incident on Monday resulted in the death of one individual.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Columbus stated in a social media update that their agents responded to the situation on the 2200 block of Albert Avenue. Initially, the shooting was reported as occurring at a mosque. However, further investigation clarified that it took place at a nearby apartment complex.
The Alrahma Mosque is located on Albert Avenue, but authorities emphasized that the incident was not an attack on the mosque. It occurred around 2:10 p.m. local time in the parking lot of an adjacent apartment complex.
An ATF spokesperson initially told Newsweek that the investigation was in its early stages. They later added that preliminary information suggested funeral attendees had left the Alrahma Mosque when shots were fired by unidentified individuals.
The Columbus Dispatch noted that the shooting occurred during a funeral at the mosque. Reports included scenes of police managing a crowd as funeral attendees and community members gathered in the street, with instances of arguments and physical confrontations.
The ATF spokesperson confirmed one individual had died. They addressed earlier reports of a potential second victim, stating these had not been confirmed. ATF Special Agents were cooperating with the Columbus Division of Police on the investigation. Further information is pending.
A Columbus Division of Police spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek that the shooting took place in the apartment complex’s parking lot next to the mosque. They stressed that the event was not a targeted attack on the mosque.
The FBI offered resources for the investigation but referred detailed inquiries back to the police department. Newsweek sought comments from the Alrahma Mosque and the Ohio Department of Public Safety on Monday afternoon.
This report is part of an ongoing story with more updates to follow.