Asheville Leaders Emphasize Vigilance After Tragic Shooting Incident

WHO:

WLOS - Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Manager DK Wesley issued a joint statement regarding the shooting.

WLOS - North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson responded to the shooting on social media.

WYFF - Asheville Police Department is the leading agency investigating the shooting.

WHAT:

WLOS - Two people were pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting.

WLOS - Seven additional individuals were injured and taken to Mission Hospital.

WYFF - Officers found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds upon arrival.

WYFF - Investigators believe the shooting may have been related to a prior gun violence incident.

WYFF - A large crime scene was contained, and evidence, including several shell casings, was collected.

WHERE:

WLOS - The shooting occurred in the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue, Asheville.

WYFF - Biltmore Avenue near Short Coxe Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue to Southside Avenue were closed during the investigation.

WHEN:

WLOS - The shooting occurred early on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at approximately 2:20 a.m.

WYFF - Officers were called to the scene at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Sunday.

WHY:

WLOS - Investigators indicated that the shooting may have been related to a previous gun violence incident.

HOW:

WLOS - The Asheville Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation and has asked the public to allow time and space for this process.

(UPDATED July 20, 2026 12:42 UTC)

In Asheville, a shooting early on Sunday resulted in two fatalities at the scene and seven others injured, who were taken to Mission Hospital for treatment. The Asheville Police Department is leading the investigation, which may be connected to a prior gun violence incident, and they have collected evidence, including several shell casings, from the large crime scene on Biltmore Avenue. Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Manager DK Wesley, along with North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, have issued statements regarding the tragic event, urging the public to respect the ongoing investigation.