Two Mount Vernon Shootings Blocks Apart After DMX Vigil

MOUNT VERNON, NY — There were two reports of overnight shootings in Mount Vernon on Wednesday. The incidents, in which at least two people were injured, took place just hours after a candlelight vigil was held to honor rap artist Earl "DMX" Simmons, who passed away at White Plains Hospital on Friday.

In one case, a wounded man jumped into a News 12 van for shelter. According to the station, the news crew was wrapping up coverage of the memorial ceremony, which took place earlier in the evening, when Ty Milburn and cameraman Dan Foley heard gunshots.

Shortly after seeking shelter in their vehicle, the news crew was approached by a man bleeding from his wounds. The unidentified man jumped in the backseat and asked to hide out.

The shooting occurred near Fourth Street Park. Mount Vernon Police officers were already nearby investigating a second shooting in the area.

Both gunshot victims were taken to the hospital. Neither victim is said to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

SEE ALSO: Family, Fans Hold Vigil For DMX Outside White Plains Hospital

The "Celebrate the Life, Legacy and Service of Earl 'DMX' Simmons" event was scheduled to take place on April 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the 4th Street Park in Mount Vernon. The shooting took place more than an hour after the end of the public ceremony.

A flyer for the event prominently featured a quote from DMX reading, "To live is to suffer, to survive… is to find meaning in the suffering."

SEE ALSO: Candlelight Vigil For Rapper DMX Will Be Held In Mount Vernon

In announcing Wednesday’s vigil, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said Simmons was not just a celebrity, but also a force for good. She asked that fans come to the park to show their love for his contributions as well as to offer support to the Simmons and Copeland families. She noted that while the rapper known as DMX had his own struggles in life, he never forgot his hometown.

According to the Journal News, the vigil drew more than more than a thousand fans to the town where Simmons was born. A tribute from the Rough Riders Motorcycle Club, named in honor of the hip-hop star, was also a part of the remembrance.