A celebration of freedom and unity turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Anderson County, South Carolina, when a mass shooting erupted during a Juneteenth event, claiming the life of 34-year-old Laporshia Janae Gray Cobb and injuring nine other people. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the parking lot of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post on Scarborough Road, where hundreds had gathered for the annual celebration.
According to the Anderson County
Sheriff's Office, the festive atmosphere was shattered when a fight broke out among some individuals at the event. The altercation quickly escalated to gunfire, sending attendees scrambling for safety. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as multiple gunshots rang out, causing widespread panic. In the aftermath, dozens of shell casings were found scattered across the parking lot.
Laporshia Janae Gray Cobb, an Anderson resident, was fatally wounded by a gunshot to the abdomen. The Anderson County Coroner's Office later ruled her death a homicide. Of the nine other individuals who were shot, two sustained severe injuries. One person was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital in critical condition, while the others were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
In the days following the shooting, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of a suspect. Tiyelle Rakelle Demon Hollings, an 18-year-old from Anderson County, was taken into custody and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. While an arrest has been made, authorities have indicated that they believe multiple individuals may have been involved in the shooting and the investigation remains ongoing. The motive is believed to be related to the initial fight that broke out in the parking lot.
