Multiple people shot on Florida beach boardwalk

At least nine people have been shot on a popular boardwalk, with terrifying footage showing beachgoers running for their lives.

Multiple people including children have been shot on a popular boardwalk in Florida, with terrifying footage showing beachgoers running for their lives.

The mass shooting broke out on Monday evening during crowded Memorial Day celebrations in Hollywood Beach, about 30 minutes north of Miami.

Nine people, including at least three minors, were taken to nearby hospitals.

Police said the shooting stemmed from an altercation between two groups.

One person of interest has been detained and another remains at large.

The suspect at large is believed to be a black male with dreadlocks, a black short-sleeve shirt and camo shorts, according to police.

BREAKING: There are reports of a mass shooting on Hollywood Beach in Florida. According to CBS, at least seven people were shot and some of the victims are young children.

Permitless carry became law in the state in April. pic.twitter.com/C8P7iGhxaR

— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) May 30, 2023

A YouTube livestream showed people sprinting away on the busy boardwalk, while videos posted on social media showed emergency services and bystanders helping victims lying on the sand.

At least one victim appeared to be lying motionless.

The condition of the shooting victims is unknown.

“Police are responding right now,” Mayor Josh Levy earlier told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

“We have victims treated by police and paramedics on scene and transported to the hospital. It seemed like people might have gotten caught in the crossfire. But I can’t verify that.”

Please avoid the area on Hollywood Beach, from Johnson to Garfield Street, and the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk due to an ongoing police investigation.

— HollywoodFL Police (@HollywoodFLPD) May 29, 2023

The shooting occurred at about 6.45pm (8.45am AEST) local time in the 1200 block of North Broadwalk, officials said.

“Please avoid the area of Johnson to Garfield Streets, as well as the Broadwalk, due to an ongoing shooting investigation,” Hollywood Police said on Twitter.

“Heavy police presence in the area. If you are looking to reunite with a family member, we have set up a reunification area at Johnson St and N Ocean bus loop.”

Mr Levy told the newspaper, “Our beach has millions of beachgoers a year. It’s a very popular and beautiful destination. This is a never before occurrence. Ordinarily it’s a peaceful beach.”

In a statement, he also thanked the “good Samaritans, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses for their immediate response to aid the victims of today’s shooting”.

Originally published as Multiple people shot on Florida beach boardwalk