ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The City of Asheville has released a statement following an early morning shooting on Sunday, July 19, that left multiple dead and several injured.
The Asheville Police Department said officers responded to the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue around 2:20 a.m. on Sunday after reports of shots fired with multiple people hit.
Two people were pronounced dead at the scene and seven injured people were taken to Mission Hospital, APD said on Sunday.
The city is mourning the deaths, the injured and wishes healing for loved ones.
Investigators say evidence developed so far indicates the shooting may have been related to a prior gun violence incident.
READ MORE: 2 DEAD, 7 INJURED IN EARLY MORNING ASHEVILLE SHOOTING, POLICE SAY
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Manager DK Wesley’s joint statement calls for the community to “never become numb to senseless violence and continue to partner with the community and seek solutions to minimize violence.”
The city also thanked the first responders, adding that the Asheville Police Department is the leading agency in the case and will provide updates as information becomes available.
The city is also asking the public to allow APD time and space for an investigation and to rely on official sources for accurate information.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson also responded to the shooting on social media.
The city asks anyone with information about this incident to call the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. You can also leave an anonymous tip through the TIP2APD app or text TIP2APD to 847411.
JULY 19, 2026 – The Asheville Police Department said officers responded to the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue around 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, after reports of shots fired with multiple people hit. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
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See below the City of Asheville’s full joint statement:
In the early hours of this morning, our city experienced a heartbreaking act of violence that has left families in grief and our entire community shaken. We mourn the loss of two lives and hope swift, but sure, healing for the injured, their loved ones and everyone impacted by this tragedy. As a community, we must never become numb to senseless violence and continue to partner with the community and seek solutions to minimize violence. Our community’s safety is a top priority and we remain focused on ensuring that everyone in Asheville feels safe.We are grateful to the courageous first responders and public safety professionals who responded and continue their work under difficult circumstances. We ask everyone to allow law enforcement the time and space needed to conduct a thorough investigation and to rely on official sources for accurate information. The Asheville Police Department is leading the investigation and will continue to provide verified updates as information becomes available.Asheville is a compassionate community. In moments like these, we come together to support one another and to honor those affected, with kindness, strength, and respect. If you have any information about this or any other incident, please contact Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
