15-Year-Old Killed at Las Vegas First Friday Arts Festival; Events Paused
On October 6, a tragic shooting at the First Friday arts festival in Las Vegas claimed the life of 15-year-old Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) received reports of gunfire at approximately 10:17 pm. In addition to Jacobs-Rodgers, who succumbed to injuries at the hospital, two other individuals sustained injuries. A 17-year-old suspect was apprehended and is now facing charges of murder and attempted murder. In response, the First Friday Foundation has decided to suspend upcoming events. Mayor Shelley Berkley denounced the violence and mentioned that the city is considering safety improvements. This incident echoes a recent shooting in Manassas, Virginia, intensifying discussions on gun reform. Prior to the event, LVMPD had implemented a curfew for minors.
Key facts
- A fatal shooting occurred at the First Friday arts festival in the Las Vegas Arts District on Tuesday, October 6.
- 15-year-old Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers was killed; two others were injured.
- Officers heard gunshots at around 10:17 pm, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
- A 17-year-old suspect was arrested and faces charges of murder with a deadly weapon and two counts of attempted murder with a deadly weapon.
- The First Friday Foundation has paused all future events until an appropriate response is determined.
- Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley stated that the city is working with metro police, the First Friday Foundation, and stakeholders to explore changes.
- The October event featured a public mural by local artist Black Sheep One, an artist residency gallery exhibition, and live painting with local creatives.
- The shooting follows a similar fatal incident at a First Friday event in Manassas, Virginia, less than a month earlier.
Entities
Artists
- Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers
- Black Sheep One
- Alexxis Ryan
- Shelley Berkley
Institutions
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
- First Friday Foundation
- The X-Flowers
- 8News
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Las Vegas
- United States
- Arts District
- Manassas
- Virginia