Eight people were injured in a shooting at an MLK Day event in Fort Pierce, authorities say.

(CNN) — Eight people were shot dead at a crowded Martin Luther King Day event in Fort Pierce, Florida, authorities said Monday night.

All eight adult victims were taken to hospital, including one in critical condition, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Brian Hester said.

At least four other people were injured in the melee that followed the shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.

More than a thousand people had gathered for a party at Ealous Ellis Park when gunshots rang out around 5:20 p.m., Hester said.

According to the city’s website, the community celebrated a Martin Luther King Jr. Day car show and “family day.”

“When the shots rang out, people just ran in all directions,” Hester said. “When our deputies arrived and left the place… there was mass chaos. There were people lying behind the cars, hiding whatever they could cover. It was quite difficult to tell who was the victim and who was just hiding at that moment.”

According to Hester, two sheriff’s deputies worked in the park and were able to help the victims. He added that several witnesses also helped provide care and get people to the hospital.

Based on the preliminary investigation, police believe the shooting was due to “some sort of disagreement between the two parties,” Hester said.

Hester said he thought there were likely multiple shooters, citing clues and clues found at the scene.

Police have not yet named the suspects in the shooting. Investigators are working to investigate the crime scene and are checking multiple leads from witnesses and members of the community, the deputy chief said.

“It is very unfortunate and sad that in a time of honoring someone who personified peace and equality, disagreements lead to the use of weapons and violence,” Hester said.

The event featured a DJ, activities for children and afternoon judging at a car show, according to the event’s flyer. According to him, the sheriff’s office provided security.

Fort Pierce is a coastal town about an hour north of West Palm Beach.

The-CNN-Wire and © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc. a Time Warner company. All rights reserved.