BREAKING: Multiple Casualties Reported After Shooting at Children’s Birthday Gathering – story-veterans.com

Parents and caregivers described scenes of terror as they tried to shield children from harm. One mother, who was at the party along with her young daughter, tearfully shared:

“I don’t even remember the sounds clearly anymore… I just remember scooping her up and running. Nothing else mattered except getting her safe.”

Psychologists and child development experts describe events like this as potentially traumatic, not just physically but emotionally.

Dr. Marissa Grady, a licensed child psychologist, explained:

“When a child experiences or witnesses violence — especially in what should be a safe environment like a party — it can fundamentally affect their sense of security. No one expects a celebration to become a life‑threatening event.”

Experts note that trauma after events like this can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

Sudden fear or avoidance of loud noises