JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Capitol police are investigating after one person was killed and seven others were injured during a shooting in downtown Jackson.

The incident occurred in the area of Pearl Street and Lamar Street around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 after police said two groups got into a fight. The shooting occurred hours after the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade.

Bailey Martin, press secretary for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), said one victim suffered fatal injuries, and another person is in critical condition. There’s no word on the conditions of the other victims.

The deceased victim was identified as Cortez George, 21, of Jackson, by the interim Hinds County coroner. George was shot multiple times.

Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey said despite a heavy law enforcement presence, the situation quickly escalated.

“This time, it’s unclear as to how well they knew each other, but we can say that this was not a random act of violence. This was an altercation between two groups of individuals. And this was not just an act of targeting paradegoers. Whatever happened between these two groups, led to this altercation that went from a verbal disturbance to gunfire. You know, unfortunately, when these kind of things happen, it’s just a group of cowards,” said Luckey.

Martin said no arrest has been made at this time. Anyone with information can contact Capitol police at 601-359-3125.