‘Actually terrifying’: Gunfire erupts at Iredell County barn party with hundreds attending

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) - Gunfire broke out early Sunday during an Iredell County barn party with hundreds in attendance, sending four people to the hospital.

The shooting happened around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at an event venue along Coddle Creek Highway in Mooresville.

Deputies said at least 30 shots were fired, injuring four people. Three have since been released from the hospital, while the fourth remains in stable condition.

Investigators said between 200 and 300 people attended the party, noting that driver’s licenses collected at the scene show many came from outside Iredell County. Empty alcohol bottles, food containers, discarded clothing, and dozens of chairs remained scattered across the property a day after the party.

None of the victims have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made. However, deputies said there is no ongoing danger to the public.

Social media buzz drove massive turnout

Capt. Julie Wyatt with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office said multiple online promoters advertised the event, which she believes led to a much larger crowd than expected.

“We spoke with the owners, and we are confident they had no clue how big this was going to be,” Wyatt said. “I think it hit social media and just spread like wildfire.”

Wyatt said investigators have taken about 50 witness statements, but deputies still need more information from people who attended the party.

“Most of the people said that they only heard the shooting; they didn’t see it,” Wyatt explained. “So we don’t have an idea of what led up to it.”

‘Very unusual’: Neighbors react to shooting

A woman renting a home on the property, who asked not to be identified, called the shooting “very unusual.”

“It was kind of crazy,” she said. “This is a very nice property. Wonderful events at the barn, weddings, birthdays. Wonderful, very positive, very nice people.”

The woman said she was asleep and didn’t hear the party or the gunfire, only learning about the shooting when a Mooresville Police officer knocked on her door.

“He told us there was an active shooter and that we needed to lock the windows, lock the doors, and stay inside,” she said.

Down Coddle Creek Highway, long-time resident Patty said she’d never seen anything like this at the venue.

“Cars were lined up the highway, in the field and everything. It’s actually terrifying to know that many people were shooting,” Patty said. “We’re very concerned now. We have kids getting off the school bus. I have grandchildren here. This is a quiet place.”