Heightened safety measures implemented at Cupples Stadium Friday following shooting
PITTSBURGH —
Heightened safety measures were in effect Friday night at Cupples Stadium in the wake of a shooting.
“The kids are just here trying to enjoy a football game, and you know, for the majority of them that are here for that event, you know, it shouldn’t be taken away from them,” said Shawn Boylan, the dad of a Pittsburgh Perry High School senior.
A notice was posted outside of the stadium, informing fans of the updated rules for two Pittsburgh City League football games.
Spectators under 18 were not allowed inside the stadium and crowds were confined to designated areas in the stands.
People were prohibited from loitering outside the stadium. Pittsburgh Perry families were welcome to attend the Perry-Carrick matchup for senior night; however, Boylan said the district capped the number of guests.
“It shouldn’t take away from them enjoying their night this evening, because now it’s very limited with their senior night. They’re supposed to be walking across the field with their families and such, and now they’ve restricted it,” Boylan told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 Reporter Jordan Cioppa. “And it’s just not going to be the same experience for them.”
There was increased security and police presence at the stadium.
The rules were implemented in response to a shooting on Thursday night near South 9th and East Carson streets.
Pittsburgh police said an 18-year-old boy, a 16-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl were injured when gunshots rang out as crowds exited the stadium.
“I think it was really tragic, honestly,” said Chloe Hall, a Pittsburgh Obama grad.
The restrictions at the game garnered mixed reactions from families.
“I mean, if they wouldn’t have done anything, we would have been complaining. Right? But unfortunately, parents like me are here to celebrate the children. This is the last night game. I think that it puts a damper on celebrations. It puts a damper on school spirit,” said Pittsburgh Perry parent Shekwae Nicholson.
As of Friday night, Pittsburgh police said there were no arrests in the shooting.