VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach police are looking for clues to solve the shooting of two teenagers at Mount Trashmore. It happened near the summer carnival Saturday night.
Although inclement weather prevented the carnival from opening on Monday, artist Matt Zitman saw large crowds from his caricature booth on Saturday.
"There were a lot of people there. It is probably the most people I'd ever seen for a Saturday," Zitman told 13News Now.
He captured a fight breaking out in the afternoon. The video shows young people gathered and a member of law enforcement holding a child back.
"They do a great job being there, being present and making sure they're available," said Zitman, who commended law enforcement for their presence.
Zitman said he knows of at least two other fights that broke out that day, which he described as out of the norm for the yearly attraction.
"That was the first time I'd ever seen multiple fights," Zitman said. "You can kind of feel it in the air."
A deadly shooting Saturday night at a parking lot across the street stemmed from a fight inside carnival grounds, Virginia Beach police said. It is unclear whether it is the same fight Zitman captured.
Back in the parking lot, police said at least one person pulled out a gun and started shooting. Officers identify the victims as two teenagers; a 15-year-old girl who died and an 18-year-old man who was critically hurt.
"It's crazy," Zitman said. "That's not good for anything. It's horrible that that happened."
"Our investigators are still working on the circumstances of the incident. At this time, we can't comment on whether the victims were bystanders or involved in the situation. Regardless, this is a case of senseless violence that should not have happened," a Virginia Beach Police Department spokesman told 13News Now Monday.
While the investigation is ongoing, police opened a digital evidence portal. They want witnesses to upload photos or videos relevant to the case as they search for answers.
In a statement, Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate described it heartbreaking to see young lives lost and families torn apart by "senseless acts." He also called the increase in youth gun violence within the community "disturbing" and "reprehensible."
Meanwhile, Zitman said he saw police presence go up and attendance go down on Sunday. As someone who works on-site, he said he is staying aware but not deterred.
"I trust everyone around me to create an environment that's good for us," Zitman said.
A spokeswoman for the City of Virginia Beach also issued 13News Now the following statement on Sunday:
"The Mount Trashmore Summer Carnival will reopen today with an increased presence of Virginia Beach police officers. Virginia Beach Sheriff deputies and private security will also assist, as they did last night.
The safety and well-being of residents and visitors are top priorities. We understand how the recent incident may have affected the community’s sense of security. Our commitment is to make sure everyone in our city feels safe and protected."
The carnival is scheduled to be in town until June 19.