OKLAHOMA CITY — At least eight people were shot, with one victim in critical condition, in downtown Oklahoma City after the Thunder ousted the Lakers from the NBA playoffs late Monday.
A spokeswoman for the Emergency Medical Services Authority said Tuesday that seven other gunshot victims were in stable condition, while a pregnant woman was treated for blunt trauma after being kicked or hit in the abdomen, The Oklahoman reported.
Earlier reports indicated two suspected shooters had been arrested, but Oklahoma City police later said no one was taken into custody.
Shots rang out at 11:35pm local time as a crowd of about 5,000 remained to celebrate around Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder had just routed the Lakers 106-90 to advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year.
One victim was shot in the back, another in the arm and a third was hit in the hand.
Fans described a situation around the arena that has been getting more violent with each playoff game.
“I thought the element of the spectators changed for the worse tonight,” Chris Turan told the newspaper. “There seemed to be a lot of people out there looking for trouble.”
A sell-out crowd of more than 18,000 packed the arena Monday night, with thousands outside in Thunder Alley, where fans can watch the game on a giant screen. The shootings occurred about three blocks away.
Tyler Maxwell told The Oklahoman he regularly watches games outside the arena, and noticed “there was all kind of fighting” after Game 2 last week.
The team emphasized Tuesday that the shootings did not occur at the arena, and said they will look to step up security for the next series.
“It’s unfortunate that it happened on a great night for Oklahoma City and the Thunder, but in our society those things happen,” said team spokesman Dan Mahoney.
“It did not happen at the arena, at the game, at Thunder Alley. We’ll continue to work with law enforcement to provide a safe environment.”
Police captain Dexter Nelson told the paper there was a heavy police presence around the arena, but admitted “we were outnumbered.”