Shooting Reported Near Scissortail Park Amid Thunder’s NBA Championship Celebration in Oklahoma City
June 23, 2025
What should have been a night of unbridled joy in Oklahoma City took a tense turn on Sunday evening when police responded to a shooting near downtown, just moments after the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the NBA Finals title.
According to Sgt. Rob Robertson of the Oklahoma City Police Department, the incident occurred on the west side of Scissortail Park, a popular gathering area near downtown, shortly after the final buzzer sealed the Thunder’s 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
One Injured, Suspects Fled on Foot
Police arrived on the scene quickly and found one unidentified individual suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was promptly transported to a local hospital, and authorities say they are expected to make a full recovery.
The celebration-related foot traffic created a chaotic environment, with large crowds of fans still flooding the streets in the wake of the Thunder’s historic championship win.
“It was a hectic scene,” said Sgt. Robertson. “There were lots of people in the area celebrating the win, which made response and securing the scene more challenging.”
Police say multiple suspects fled the area on foot and are currently being sought. Investigators are working to gather surveillance footage and witness accounts to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Celebration Turns Serious
The incident cast a temporary shadow over what had otherwise been a jubilant evening in Oklahoma City, as fans poured into the streets to celebrate the Thunder’s first NBA title since the franchise’s relocation.
Local news outlets captured the moment of the shooting’s aftermath, showing law enforcement cordoning off parts of the park as emergency responders tended to the wounded individual.
No other injuries were reported, and authorities have not yet released details about what led to the shooting or if the incident was connected to the championship celebrations.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Monday morning, Oklahoma City Police continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information or video footage from the area to come forward.
“We’re asking for the public’s help. If anyone saw anything or captured anything on their phones, please reach out to us,” said Robertson.
Despite the incident, city officials and Thunder fans continued celebrations in other parts of the city under increased police presence to ensure safety.
Stay tuned for updates on the investigation and further details as they become available. If you have any information, contact the Oklahoma City Police Department’s tip line.
