In the early hours of June 21, 2025, a large gathering of teenagers and young adults in Tulsa turned chaotic and dangerous when multiple shooters opened fire outside an abandoned warehouse being used as an event space near 122nd East Avenue and Admiral Place. The Tulsa Police Department responded swiftly to reports of gunfire just before 1 a.m., encountering a scene of panic and injury as hundreds of partygoers scrambled to escape the violence.
The party, originally planned for another location, was a Juneteenth after-hours celebration held on a business lot, which had been transformed into a makeshift venue. As gunfire erupted, attendees fled in all directions, leading to a mix of injuries—not only from bullets but also from falls and desperate attempts to evade the chaos. According to Tulsa police and emergency responders, seven people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Of those injured, five were shot or grazed by bullets. One individual suffered a severe arm injury after cutting herself on razor wire while climbing over a chain-link fence to escape the scene. Another was run over while hiding beneath a vehicle, highlighting the sheer panic and confusion that gripped the crowd. Most victims were teenagers aged between 17 and 18, with one victim being 21 years old.
Emergency medical services, firefighters, and even private vehicles rushed the injured to local hospitals, while the Tulsa Police Department quickly secured multiple areas around the site to begin a thorough investigation. Crime scene investigators collected shell casings and other evidence from the area, as detectives worked diligently to piece together the events leading up to and during the shooting.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, police have not disclosed the exact number of people injured beyond the seven hospitalized, nor have they confirmed any fatalities. It is believed that multiple shooters were involved, though the identities and motives remain unclear. Investigators are also looking into how the business lot became the party's location and who supplied the alcohol, as these factors could provide insight into the event's organization and potential lapses in supervision.
Adding to the complexity of the investigation, an 18-year-old man reported that his AR-15 rifle was stolen from his vehicle during the party. Police have not confirmed whether this weapon was used in the shooting, but the report underscores the dangerous environment surrounding these unsanctioned gatherings.
One of the more troubling aspects of the aftermath is that most of the injured partygoers refused to cooperate with investigators, declining to provide information about possible suspects. This silence hampers efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.
Tulsa Police Sgt. JB Shelton addressed the growing concern over such large, unsupervised events, emphasizing the risks they pose. "From police department to parents — we know you’re doing a good job, but please keep your kids at home, away from these parties. We just want your kids to be safe," Shelton said, urging the community to take preventative measures to avoid future tragedies.
The police department has called on anyone with video footage or eyewitness accounts to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS (2677), as authorities continue their efforts to unravel the circumstances of the shooting and bring those responsible to justice.
This incident highlights a troubling trend in Tulsa and elsewhere, where large parties—often involving teenagers—can quickly spiral out of control, especially when weapons and alcohol are involved. The community now faces the challenge of addressing these risks while supporting victims and preventing such violence in the future.
As the investigation continues, Tulsa residents are left grappling with the aftermath of a night that was meant to celebrate freedom and unity but instead ended in fear and injury. The police department’s message is clear: safety must come first, and vigilance from families and communities is essential to keep young people out of harm’s way.
With multiple scenes under scrutiny and evidence being meticulously collected, the hope remains that those responsible for the shooting will be identified and held accountable. Until then, the city mourns the disruption of peace and the trauma inflicted on its youth during what should have been a joyful occasion.
