JEFFERSON COUNTY, MS – A night of celebration turned tragic at the annual Fayette Festival on Saturday, when a mass shooting left one person dead and several others wounded. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that six people were shot during the incident, which occurred in the middle of the festival, a popular community event that draws large crowds each year.
The victim who lost his life has been identified as Rayshaude Hudson. Authorities say Hudson died from gunshot wounds shortly after the attack. The conditions of the other five victims have not yet been shared with the public. Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, but officials have not released updates on their recovery or identities.
Sheriff James Bailey called the violence a “senseless act” and said law enforcement is working hard to track down the person or people responsible. “This was a family-friendly event meant to bring our community together,” Bailey said. “Instead, it ended in tragedy. We are committed to finding who did this and bringing them to justice.”
At this time, no arrests have been made, and investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting. Officials have not said if there was more than one shooter involved. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is working closely with the Fayette Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Crime Stoppers as the case continues.
Authorities are asking anyone who was at the festival and may have seen something suspicious to come forward. Tip lines have been set up to make it easy for people to share what they know — even anonymously. Members of the public can call the Fayette Police at (601) 786-3333, the Sheriff’s Office at (601) 786-3403, the MBI Brookhaven Office at (601) 515-4340, or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-442-5001.
The investigation remains active, and more updates are expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, the local community is left shocked and heartbroken by the deadly violence at what was meant to be a peaceful event. Law enforcement is urging anyone with helpful information to step forward and help bring justice to the victims and their families.