Home / Crime and Justice / Boston's 4th of July: 2 Dead, 13 Injured in Shootings
Boston's 4th of July: 2 Dead, 13 Injured in Shootings
6 Jul
Summary
- Five shootings occurred early Sunday, leaving two dead and thirteen injured.
- Police blamed large gatherings with fireworks and alcohol for the violence.
- Officers were also injured by fireworks during the holiday response.
Early Sunday, July 6, 2026, marked a violent start to the 4th of July holiday in Boston, with five shootings resulting in two fatalities and thirteen injuries. The incidents occurred across the city, with initial reports coming from Roxbury where one person died and three were injured. A second fatal shooting occurred later in Roxbury, bringing the total death toll to two and increasing injuries to thirteen. The injured sustained varying degrees of harm, from non-life-threatening to life-threatening conditions.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox attributed the surge in violence to large public gatherings that involved illegal fireworks and the consumption of alcohol. He issued a strong warning about the "bad combination" of firearms and crowds, urging the public to reconsider late-night parties as summer progresses. Mayor Michelle Wu supported this message, emphasizing that firearms at large gatherings are incompatible with peaceful celebrations. The holiday night also saw police officers injured by fireworks while responding to incidents.
