A tragic incident occurred during an Easter egg hunt hosted by a church in Gulfport, Mississippi, resulting in the fatal shooting of a deacon named Eddie Shed. The Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, a non-denominational ministry located in Gulfport, confirmed that Shed, who also served as the head of security, lost his life while trying to intervene in the violent situation. The church clarified that the perpetrator was not associated with their ministry.
According to the Gulfport Police Department, the shooting took place at Jack and Florence Goldin Park around 2:05 p.m. during the Easter egg hunt. The incident was sparked by a child custody dispute, leading to the suspect displaying a firearm and shooting two individuals who were attempting to deescalate the situation. Witnesses reported that Shed had courageously stepped in to protect children during the chaos but tragically lost his life in the process.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Tyran Deion Gable, also sustained gunshot wounds and is facing charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault. Meanwhile, the injured individual was airlifted to a hospital outside of Mississippi for treatment. The community has mourned the loss of Deacon Shed, hailing him as a hero who selflessly sacrificed himself to protect others. The church has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Shed’s family, emphasizing his legacy of love and service. Contributions can be made to ease the financial burden on his wife and three children during this difficult time.
