‘Peace vigil’ ends violently when two dozen shots are fired, Asheville police say

A ‘peace vigil’ ended chaotically when at least 24 shots were fired by a mysterious gunman who quickly vanished, according to investigators in western North Carolina.

It happened around 8:45 p.m. Monday, at the Pisgah View Apartments in West Asheville, police said in a March 10 news release.

“Thankfully, no injuries were reported, only property damage,” Asheville police said.

“While canvassing the area, officers located two vehicles that had been struck by gunfire, along with 24 shell casings from firearms of different calibers, and found an additional five live rounds under a nearby bush close to where a candlelight vigil had been taking place.”

The motive remains a mystery and police have not identified a suspect.

Asheville police Lieutenant Geoffrey Rollins referred to the gathering that night as a “peace vigil,” and told WLOS a large crowd was still on hand when police arrived. He did not say whether the shots were fired during or after the vigil.

The incident happened just one day after nine people were injured when shots were fired into a crowd on North Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville, police said in a news release. Seven individuals were hit “by stray gunfire or fragments,” one was hurt scrambling for cover and another person “was physically assaulted, resulting in a concussion,” police said.

No suspect has been identified in that case.

This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 2:31 PM with the headline "‘Peace vigil’ ends violently when two dozen shots are fired, Asheville police say."