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FAYETTE — Fayette Mayor Londell Eanochs — who ran unopposed for re-election on Tuesday, June 3 — took to social media on the eve of his election to describe the hurt he feels over a deadly shooting that occurred at the conclusion of Fayette’s annual festival on Saturday.

The Fayette community, with a population of little more than 1,300 people, according to the latest census, hosts the family festival free of charge to celebrate the town’s 200-year history with food, music, games, a petting zoo and more.

The event is one that draws a large crowd of children and families together.

However, a Saturday night shooting at the conclusion of the event resulted in the death of 22-year-old Rayshaude D. Hudson and the injury of at least five other people.

Some responders stated they would stand behind the mayor regardless of whether the festival should be cancelled next year or continue on.

Eanochs’ statement said, “Hurt is what I’m feeling. Hurt for all those affected by this senseless act of violence that has shaken our town to its core. Hurt, because I don’t just see names in the news. I see faces, I see families, I see futures stolen.”

Many commenters described a clean, fun day in Fayette prior to the shooting.

The festival ended around 8:30 p.m. However crowds still were making their way out of the festival site on Main Street at 10:30 p.m. as a barrage of gunshots rang out rapidly into the streets.

“Joy turned into sorrow,” Eanochs said. “And now, we are left with questions, tears, and a pain that words can’t fully capture. Yes, I’m hurt. Because we work so hard every single day to make things better for our people. To give our children more. To show them that Fayette is worth fighting for. And still, we’re here, heartbroken again.”

Eanochs extended condolences to the Hudson family.

“Your loss is our loss,” he said. “Your pain is our pain. We love you, and we’re walking with you in every step of this grief.”

He also said that the festival was planned out with security in mind.

“We hired as many additional police officers and security personnel as our city budget could possibly allow. We did our best to keep everyone safe, and yet, we still find ourselves here. And that hurts. But even in my pain, I am not discouraged. We cannot and we will not give up on Fayette. We will not give up on our young people. We must find a way to reach them with love, with leadership, and with real opportunity. We have to get back to being a village again. Back to loving each other like family. Back to protecting our children like they are all our own.”

Eanochs thanked the officers of the Fayette Police Department.

“You showed up with strength, with heart and with courage even while working with limited resources. You helped plan, you helped to protect, and you did your absolute best. I appreciate you. I thank you. And I support you.”

He added, “Fayette, we’ve been through a lot, but we’re still standing. We’ve still got each other. And as long as I have breath in my body, I will fight for peace in our community to give us a chance and a future. This will not be just another tragic moment. This will be a turning point. Thank you, and may God continue to guide and cover us all.”

No suspects have been named in the shooting as of Tuesday afternoon.

Jefferson County Sheriff James Bailey urged anyone with any information about the shooting to call the Fayette Police Department at 601-786-3333, the Jefferson County Sheriff Department at 601-786-3403, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations in Brookhaven at 601-515-4340, or call the Crime Stoppers number 1-888-442-5001 to leave an anonymous tip.

“We don’t want your name. We just want your information,” Bailey said, adding. “Please keep all victims and their families in your prayers.”

Up to a $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the shooting at the Fayette Festival on Saturday, May 31. Only tips entered through Crime Stoppers are eligible for the reward. All calls and tips are anonymous. Call 888-442-5001 or download the free P3 app.