Nine Injured Following 3:00 AM Mass Shooting Incident In Downtown Asheville; Suspect Remains At Large

Nine people were injured, including seven struck by gunfire, during an early morning shooting in downtown Asheville. Police are seeking a person of interest.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 9:57 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The News & Observer

Overnight Gathering Ends In Violence In Asheville Business District

What began as a large late-night gathering in downtown Asheville turned into a mass casualty event early Sunday morning. At approximately 3:15 a.m., Asheville police responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the 100 block of North Lexington Avenue, an area densely packed with restaurants, bars, and retail shops. Upon arrival, patrol officers encountered a scene of "frenzied" movement as a large crowd attempted to flee the vicinity. Officers immediately began rendering medical aid to victims scattered along the sidewalk while established perimeters were set up to search for the shooter.

Casualty Count Confirmed: Seven Struck By Gunfire

In a comprehensive update released Monday, the Asheville Police Department clarified the extent of the casualties. Investigators confirmed that nine people in total required medical treatment following the incident. Of those, seven individuals were struck by stray gunfire or metal fragments. The remaining two injuries occurred during the ensuing panic: one person was injured while attempting to reach cover, and another was physically assaulted, resulting in a concussion. While the number of victims is high, hospital officials noted that the injuries were "mostly minor," and all nine individuals have since been treated and released.

Detectives Identify Person Of Interest In Targeted Search

As the investigation enters its third day, Asheville detectives have announced they have identified a "person of interest" in the case. However, authorities have been hesitant to release a name or specific description to the public, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing search. No motive has been established for the shooting, and it remains unclear if the gunman was targeting a specific individual within the crowd or firing indiscriminately. Forensic teams spent much of Sunday processing ballistics evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the numerous businesses lining Lexington Avenue.