Local
Gunfire Shatters Sunday Soccer Match at Everett's River Green Park as Police Hunt for Rifle-Toting Suspect
A dispute during a Sunday evening soccer game at River Green Park in Everett escalated when a man retrieved an AK-47-style assault rifle from his vehicle and fired a single round, police said. No one was injured, but no arrest had been announced as detectives worked to identify the shooter and the vehicle involved.
EVERETT, Mass. â A Sunday evening soccer game at River Green Park ended in gunfire when a man involved in an on-field dispute walked to his vehicle, pulled out an AK-47-style assault rifle and fired a single round, according to Everett police.
The incident was reported at about 8:45 p.m. No one was struck or injured, police said. Authorities did not specify whether the shot was fired into the air or directed at a person.
According to police, the confrontation began as an argument among people at the game. One participant then left the field, retrieved the rifle from a vehicle and discharged it once before the scene scattered.
As of Sunday night, police had announced no arrests and said investigators did not yet know what type of vehicle was involved. Detectives were continuing to investigate, and authorities did not release a description of the suspect.
The shooting rattled a city park that on mild evenings typically hosts youth and adult league soccer, pickup games and families using the fields and playground. River Green Park sits in a dense residential neighborhood, and residents said the sound of a high-powered rifle round so close to homes and players was alarming.
"A soccer game should be the safest place in the neighborhood on a Sunday night," said one nearby resident, who asked not to be named out of concern for safety. "One argument, one gun, and it could have been a child on that field."
Police are asking anyone who was at the park around 8:45 p.m. Sunday, or who has information about the vehicle or the person who fired the weapon, to contact Everett police detectives. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
The episode comes amid heightened attention to gun violence in the region and to the easy availability of military-style rifles. Under Massachusetts law, AK-47-style firearms are generally restricted, and possession of a large-capacity assault weapon is illegal except in narrow circumstances. Police have not said how the weapon was obtained or whether it was legally owned.
Community advocates said the incident underscores the need for continued investment in violence-prevention programs and safe public spaces. "Our parks belong to everyone, and no family should have to weigh whether it's safe to watch a game," said a local organizer who works with youth sports programs in Everett. "We need answers, and we need them quickly."
Everett police said the investigation is active and asked witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is urged to call the department's tip line.