Mass shootings claim lives at gatherings over the July Fourth holiday

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — Mass shootings broke out at festivals, block parties and other gatherings in a handful of cities this week as the U.S. celebrated the Fourth of July. Gun violence that flared in Washington, D.C, Louisiana, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Texas and Florida left more than a dozen dead and about 60 wounded — including children as young as 2 years old. Police say at least three people were killed and 10 others wounded late Tuesday night in Shreveport, Louisiana. Nine people outside enjoying the Independence Day festivities in the nation’s capital were shot and wounded early Wednesday. In Florida, a 7-year-old was fatally shot during an altercation between two groups gathered for celebrations along a causeway that crosses Tampa Bay.