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FAYETTE — In light of shootings in Fayette, including a mass shooting after Fayette’s annual festival on May 31, Mayor Londell Eanochs has decided to postpone future gatherings indefinitely, particularly the town’s July 4 fireworks show.

The mayor made this announcement Saturday after the most recent act of gun violence in Fayette, which he said took place the night before.

“Citizens of Fayette, in light of the recent violence in our community, including a shooting that occurred just last night, I have made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s 4th of July fireworks show,” Eanochs wrote in a social media post. “While I understand how deeply our community cherishes this annual fireworks show, my first responsibility as your Mayor is to ensure the safety of every resident. At this time, I cannot in good conscience move forward with a large public gathering until we are confident that it can be held without putting our citizens at risk.”

Social media commentators widely supported the mayor’s decision to postpone the fireworks show.

The Natchez Democrat has reached out to Fayette officials for more information about the shootings that prompted Eanoch’s post and has not yet received a response.

After the Fayette Festival on the night of May 31, when many people still had not left the Main Street area of Fayette, gunshots were fired into the crowd, striking at least six people and killing one, 22-year-old Rayshaude D. Hudson.

The free event was one that drew a large crowd of children and families together to celebrate the town’s 200-year history with food, music, games, a petting zoo and more.

“We are working closely with law enforcement and community leaders to address the cause of this violence and to bring those responsible to justice,” Eanochs said. “I ask for your continued patience, support, and cooperation as we take the steps needed to restore peace to our communities. This is not the end of our celebrations, only a pause until we can come together safely, as one Fayette. Thank you, and may God bless you all.”