Two teenagers were shot late Saturday night outside a Maryland synagogue on their way to a party, the Washington Post reported.
The victims, 16 and 19-year-old males, told Greenbelt police they were walking along Ridge road at about 11:40 p.m. on their way to a party at the Mishkan Torah Synagogue when a fight broke out.
The synagogue had been rented out by a promoter for the private event, billed as “the biggest party in Maryland."
Gunfire erupted and several shots were fired about 500 feet from the synagogue in the Old Greenbelt area. The 19-year-old from Lanham was struck in the back, while the 16-year-old from Laurel was hit in the shoulder, police said.
The older victim ran into the synagogue for help while the younger boy called a relative, who picked him up at the scene and brought him to Laurel Regional Hospital. The 19-year-old was later brought to Prince George's Hospital Center.
The teens’ injuries are not considered life threatening.
According to police spokesman George Matthews, the two victims are not cooperating with the investigation. After telling the authorities they had observed the fight, they remained mute on the matter.
Police continue to search for the gunman, but have not yet identified any suspects. They do not believe the victims were the intended targets, but the investigation remains open.
Synagogue officials issued a statement on Sunday expressing their regret for the incident.
Although no one affiliated with Mishkan Torah was involved in or present at the incident, which took place outside synagogue property, the synagogue stated that "Mishkan Torah has now changed its policy permitting rental of its facilities to outside groups."
Officials added that “Mishkan Torah wishes a speedy recovery to the victims of this horrendous event, and sends its best wishes to them and their families.”