Columbus Teen Killed at July 4 Pop-Up Party Identified
A tragic July 4 celebration turned deadly in Columbus when 17-year-old Cameron Moore was shot and killed at a late-night “pop-up” party on the 800 block of Wilson Avenue.
The shooting occurred around 2:40 a.m., with police estimating over 100 attendees, mostly teenagers, were present when gunfire erupted.
“It was chaotic. Children running everywhere. Jumping fences and cars pulling off,” said Rodney Riley, a resident of Wilson Avenue, who rushed to the scene after learning his 19-year-old daughter was at the party.
Though his daughter was unharmed, Riley encountered Moore and attempted to get help. “As a father, I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like if my daughter didn’t say, ‘Dad, here I am,’” he shared.
Five others were injured in the incident. Two were transported by emergency responders and are expected to survive, while three others made their way to local hospitals on their own. Authorities are still searching for those responsible.
The tragic death of Cameron Moore raises serious concerns about the right of every child to life and protection from violence, especially in large teen gatherings. Children should be accompanied by an adult, and there should have been security personnel around the location. Events involving children must be met with proactive safety measures to prevent such devastating outcomes.
