Tulsa Shooting Spree Targets Black People

Three people are dead and two wounded after a shooting spree yesterday that targeted black people on the streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Police found the first victim in the wee hours, and spent all morning helping other people found in yards and on streets with gunshot wounds, the Tulsa World reports. "There is no forensic evidence to link at this point," said homicide detective Sgt. Dave Walker. "Timing and location lead us to believe they may be connected."

A police investigation indicates that a white man driving a white pickup may have been involved. "We're very concerned" that a deranged killer is "targeting black people to shoot," said NAACP Tulsa president, Rev. Warren Blakney Sr. He warned people "to watch their backs," but said "there's no need to become a vigilante." Meanwhile, the FBI and an Oklahoma crimes task force are offering to help the investigation. "This is an opportunity to do what we're supposed to do," said Walker. "It's a challenge." (More racism stories.)