LENOIR, N.C. — Community Grieves the Loss of Shawn Patrick Hood, 58, After Tragic Mass Shooting in Mountain View Area

LENOIR, N.C. — Community Grieves the Loss of Shawn Patrick Hood, 58, After Tragic Mass Shooting in Mountain View Area

A deep sense of sorrow and disbelief has gripped the community of Lenoir in the wake of a devastating mass shooting that claimed the life of 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood and left eleven others injured early Sunday morning, June 1, 2025. The incident, which took place in the typically quiet Mountain View area of Catawba County, has left families shattered, neighbors on edge, and a town united in mourning.

A Life Lost to Violence

Shawn Patrick Hood, remembered by friends and loved ones as a kind, grounded man with a warm smile and generous spirit, became the sole fatality in a tragedy that unfolded shortly after midnight. According to local law enforcement, gunfire erupted during what was believed to be a social gathering or party. When officers arrived, they discovered Hood fatally wounded and multiple others suffering from gunshot wounds scattered across the scene.

Authorities confirmed that eleven additional victims sustained injuries in the attack, with one person in critical condition currently receiving intensive medical care. The wounded include both men and women, and while most are expected to recover, the emotional scars from that night may endure for years.

Scene of Chaos

First responders described the scene as “chaotic and heartbreaking.” Shell casings littered the ground. Victims were crying for help, some attempting to stop the bleeding of others. Witnesses say the terrifying sound of gunfire sent people running in every direction, trying to escape what quickly turned into a nightmare.

“It was like something out of a war zone,” said one neighbor, who asked not to be identified. “There were people screaming, people hurt everywhere. I still can’t believe this happened here.”

An Ongoing Investigation

As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities are urgently seeking information from the public. Detectives with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies are continuing to investigate, speaking to witnesses and collecting forensic evidence from the scene. Officials have not yet released a possible motive or identified any suspects, though they emphasized that all leads are being followed.

“We are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice,” said Sheriff Don Brown in a press conference Sunday afternoon. “This was a senseless act of violence that has deeply impacted our entire county.”

A Community in Mourning

For the residents of Lenoir and the greater Catawba County area, the impact of the shooting is deeply personal. Community members gathered at a nearby church Sunday evening for a vigil in honor of Shawn Hood and the other victims. Candles were lit, prayers were said, and tears flowed freely as those who knew and loved Hood shared memories and called for unity and peace.

Local leaders, faith-based organizations, and counselors are coming together to support those affected. Grief counseling services are being offered at local schools, churches, and through nonprofit partners in the area.

Remembering Shawn Patrick Hood

Hood was a father, a grandfather, a neighbor, and a friend. Those close to him described him as someone who always made time for others—whether it was offering a helping hand, cracking a joke to brighten someone’s day, or simply being present when someone needed to talk.

“He had a heart of gold,” said family friend Melissa Greene. “He didn’t deserve this. None of them did.”

A Call for Justice and Change

The mass shooting has renewed calls for action against gun violence, with community members demanding stronger protections and greater attention to the root causes of such tragedies.

In the meantime, the focus remains on healing and remembrance. A GoFundMe has been launched to help Hood’s family with funeral expenses, and donations are pouring in from across the region.

How You Can Help

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting—no matter how small—to contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office or leave an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers.

As Lenoir struggles to process the grief of losing one of its own, the strength of its community is evident. United in sorrow, the town is also united in its pursuit of answers—and in honoring the memory of Shawn Patrick Hood, whose life was taken too soon.