Police and federal agencies are examining a shooting incident near a mosque in Columbus, Ohio, which resulted in one fatality on Monday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Columbus announced on social media that their agents were addressing the reported shooting on Albert Avenue’s 2200 block. Initial reports suggested the event occurred at a mosque. However, further clarification indicated that the Alrahma Mosque, located on the same street, was not the site of the attack. Authorities later confirmed the incident occurred at a nearby apartment complex at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time.
An ATF spokesperson informed Newsweek that the investigation is at an early stage. Preliminary findings suggest that funeral attendees were leaving the Alrahma Mosque, situated at 2226 Albert Avenue, when shots were heard from unidentified assailants.
The Columbus Dispatch indicated that the shooting transgressed during the mosque’s funeral service, corroborated by an on-scene photographer. Local TV broadcasts depicted police managing a crowd as funeral attendees and community members congregated on the street, leading to several altercations.
“One individual has been confirmed deceased,” stated the ATF spokesperson. “Reports of a potential second victim remain unverified. ATF Special Agents are collaborating with the Columbus Division of Police on this active investigation. Further details will be shared as they become available.”
The Columbus Division of Police confirmed to Newsweek that the shooting took place in the parking lot of an apartment complex adjacent to the mosque. A spokesperson clarified, “While initial information suggested the incident might have occurred at a mosque, our preliminary investigation concludes this was neither a targeted attack on the mosque nor did it transpire within its premises.”
The FBI has offered support to the investigation but has deferred to the local police for specific details. Newsweek also contacted the Alrahma Mosque and the Ohio Department of Public Safety for further comments.