Hot Springs, Arkansas shooting at high school graduation ‘leaves four hurt with lockdown issued at hospitals’

FOUR people were hurt in a shooting outside a high school graduation ceremony in Arkansas on Thursday.

Officials confirmed that four people were taken to nearby hospitals after shots were fired outside a convention center where the graduation was being held.

Under Sheriff Jason Lawrence told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that the victims were taken to CHI St Vincent Hot Springs and National Park Medical Center. Their ages and conditions have not been disclosed.

Lawrence also stated that both hospitals were placed on lockdown with police sent to the area after reports of large groups gathering outside the medical centers.

A search of the Hot Springs Convention Center was being conducted to clear it, Hot Springs Police Department spokesman Omar Cervantes said.

Hot Springs School District Superintendent Dr Stephanie Nehus released a statement on the district's Facebook page, providing an update on the incident.

“We are still learning more details about the unfortunate situation that took place outside of the Hot Springs Convention Center, following our Graduation Ceremony.

"We can confirm that none of our current students or graduates were involved.

"Our Law Enforcement Officers and staff will do all that we can to assist in the investigation. Our hearts and thoughts are with all individuals who suffered injuries tonight.”

Hot Springs World Class High School's Graduation Ceremony was scheduled to take place at the Hot Springs Convention Center at 7.30pm local time, according to the school district website.

It was unclear what led to the gunfire and there was no known motive or suspect as of late Thursday.

However, bystanders shared varying first-hand accounts to social media.

"Witnessed a massive fight in Hot Springs after a graduation. Elected to walk inside hotel and just missed a live shooting #Craziness," one person tweeted.

Hot Springs is located about an hour southwest of Little Rock.

The investigation was said to be ongoing.