In a statement Saturday, the Bucks called the shootings “horrible” and added that the team condemns “this devastating violence.”
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing law enforcement sources, said none of the injured appeared to be facing life-threatening injuries.
“We are grateful to local law enforcement for their valiant efforts in trying to contain what was a dangerous situation,” the Bucks said.
“While these incidents took place off Deer District property, they clearly resonated with fans exiting the arena and leaving the plaza. Safety, health and wellness are always our top priorities for our guests and employees.”
The statement added that “in order to allow law enforcement to dedicate the necessary resources to the ongoing investigation of last night’s events, we have decided to cancel the party planned for tomorrow (Sunday) in the square.”
The team said businesses in the Deer District, a neighborhood near the stadium that draws thousands of fans to bars and entertainment venues during and after games, would remain open.
However, they won’t show Sunday’s deciding Game 7 of this Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Boston Celtics on a big screen outside the arena.
On Friday, about 11,000 people were in the area for such a party, with the first shooting occurring near the district shortly after the Bucks lost to the Celtics in Game 6 of the series.
Police said the victims included two men, aged 26 and 29, and a 16-year-old girl, and all three are expected to survive their injuries.
“There was a 19-year-old man in custody in connection with this incident,” Milwaukee Police Capt. Warren Allen told CNN.
A dramatic video showed frightened people walking out of the crowded area.
About two hours later, another 17 people were injured in another shooting several blocks away. Allen said the victims ranged in age from 15 to 47.
Police said they arrested a total of 10 people in connection with the second incident and recovered nine firearms, local television station WTMJ-TV reported.
Authorities did not immediately address what caused the incidents and whether they were related.
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