1 dead, 1 hospitalized after July 4 shooting near Lake Arlington in Fort Worth
One person was killed and one was hospitalized in unknown condition after a shooting Saturday night at a gathering in the 5900 block of Wilbarger Street, near Lake Arlington, Fort Worth police said.
A 911 caller reported multiple people were shot near the lake about 8:15 p.m.
When officers arrived, they learned that two men who were fighting over a woman both grabbed guns and the men shot each other, said Officer Cynthia Wood, a police spokesperson. The person who died will be identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Witnesses told the Star-Telegram that a Fourth of July party was being held in the area including a DJ and a boxing match. A fight started outside the ring among people in the crowd who were watching the boxing match, witnesses said, and that’s when shots were fired.
One witness, A.D. Brown, said he heard the gunshots and “everybody started scattering.” He said that he and others ducked and ran.
Brown said the shooting was tragic but not unexpected. “It’s Fourth of July,” he said. “It happens every year.”
Dozens of police units responded to the homicide scene, along with ambulances. Helicopters were seen overhead, and police said the scene was still active late Saturday.
Officers kept some witnesses at the scene for questioning and blocked off streets in the area. Family members gathered nearby hoping to hear from their loved ones who were at the event, and chaplains prayed with the waiting relatives.
Fireworks were going off in the area as police continued to investigate.
Police said that anyone with information related to the shooting can call 817-392-4222. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS (8477).
This story was originally published July 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM.
