Raleigh, NC – The morning before New Year’s Eve, police across the Triangle are sounding the alarm about ‘commemorative shots’
This year, innocent passers-by were hit and killed by commemorative shots, especially on holidays, when fireworks can mask the sound of gunshots.
Although New Year’s Eve is different this year – you won’t see the streets flooded with thousands of people, and many celebrations have been canceled – the police are still sending a message about security as it rings in the new year.
This week, Raleigh Police tweeted this message about the commemorative shooting, reminding people that shooting any type of firearm is illegal.
The Orange County sheriff’s department shared a similar message.
Last December, the police also issued an alert against commemorative shots. However, on the First Night in Raleigh, a UNC student named Kaitlyn Kong was seriously injured when shots were fired into the air.
The tragedy happened again on July 4, when a grandmother from Durham was killed when she was hit by a commemorative shooting while walking home.
Kong survived the injuries and left a message for the community on the anniversary of the day she was hit by a stray bullet.
“I’m not as frustrated as I am hopeful that they won’t do it again,” she said.
You can be prosecuted if a bullet hits someone or damages property.
Police authorities are also warning people about alcohol and driving when traveling from one private party to another.