BROCKTON, Mass. — Brockton police are investigating a shooting after the Cape Verde FIFA World Cup match against Saudi Arabia on Friday night.
Four people were shot while hundreds of people were gathered on Main Street for what was supposed to be a celebration after the match.
“There were mad people running, but I didn’t hear any shots,” Jerry DeBarros said.
Police responded to the intersection of Main and Park Streets shortly before midnight for reports of gunfire.
According to police, when officers arrived on the scene, they found four people with gunshot wounds.
All four people were taken to the hospital, but their conditions are unknown, and their identities have not been released.
“A lot of people think it’s just like Cape Verdeans or Brockton people, but it’s like people coming in from all around, like Providence, New Bedford, Taunton, Boston,” Luis North said.
Cape Verde made history Friday night by advancing to the next stage of the World Cup after tying Saudi Arabia.
With Brockton having such a large Cape Verdean population, soccer fans said it’s unfortunate this has to happen during what should be a fun time in the city.
“You got a couple of knuckleheads, whether they’re younger or older people, it just makes the city look bad, it makes the community look bad,” North said.
Just last weekend, there were three separate shootings after World Cup watch parties, and police are still investigating all three incidents.
For Friday night’s World Cup watch parties, police ramped up security and had extra patrols throughout the city.
Next, Cape Verde will take on Argentina on Friday.
“If we win the next game, be prepared to see mad police here,” said DeBarros. “If we win that one, then that might be in the history...they need to shut down Brockton if Cape Verde wins.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues said the recent acts of violence don’t reflect Brockton’s Cape Verdean community.
“The City also recognizes recent acts of violence that have occurred during the tournament. Those incidents do not reflect Brockton’s Cape Verdean community, whose residents, families, and business owners have celebrated their heritage peacefully and positively throughout the competition. While criminal actors may seek to exploit moments of heightened public activity, their actions should not overshadow the overwhelming spirit of unity, pride, and celebration that has defined these community events,” the statement reads. “The City of Brockton will not tolerate criminals coming into our community and taking advantage of a joyous occasion to commit acts of violence. The first arrest involved a person from Weymouth. 99.9% percent of people celebrated peacefully.”
Police said they are actively investigating Friday night’s shooting.
No arrests have been announced.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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