Authorities held a press conference this afternoon (June 1) near the site of a mass shooting that occurred early this morning in the Mountain View community of southwest Catawba County.
The incident, which has shocked the region, left one person dead and eleven others injured—several of whom remain hospitalized, including one victim in critical condition. The fatal victim has been identified as 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood of Lenoir.
Officials offered their condolences to Hood’s family and loved ones during the press briefing, acknowledging the profound tragedy and sense of loss that the shooting has brought to the community.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded shortly after midnight. At approximately 12:45 a.m., deputies from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Hickory Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Walnut Acres Drive in the Mountain View area following reports of multiple people being shot.
When law enforcement arrived, they encountered a chaotic and distressing scene. Twelve victims in total were reported—one deceased and several others with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Emergency medical personnel responded quickly, stabilizing the injured and transporting them to local hospitals. As of this afternoon, one individual remained in critical condition while others continued to receive treatment for various injuries.
Authorities have not yet released the names or ages of the other victims, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to notify all families involved. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown at this time.
Sheriff’s investigators, along with detectives from the Hickory Police Department and special agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), are actively working the case.
Teams were seen canvassing the area throughout the day, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses in an effort to piece together the events leading up to the violence.
During the press conference, Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown described the situation as “deeply troubling” and urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
“This is a tragic event that has affected not only the families of the victims but the entire community,” he said. “Our investigators are working diligently to determine who is responsible and why this happened.”
No arrests have been made as of this afternoon, and officials have not publicly identified any suspects. Authorities confirmed that they are pursuing several leads but emphasized the importance of community cooperation in moving the investigation forward.
“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time of the shooting, or who has any relevant information—no matter how small—to please contact our office,” Sheriff Brown added. Tipsters are encouraged to call the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112.
In the meantime, the community is grappling with the aftermath of the violence. Mountain View, a typically quiet and close-knit area of southwest Catawba County, is now the focus of a multi-agency investigation into one of the most violent incidents in its recent history.
Residents expressed shock and sorrow as news of the shooting spread throughout the day, and many have begun gathering to support those affected and to demand answers.
Local leaders have pledged full support for the investigation and assistance for victims and their families. Additional details about the shooting, including any possible connection among the individuals involved, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
For ongoing updates, members of the public are encouraged to visit whky.com and monitor official channels from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
