Gulfport, MS – Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred during a church-sponsored community gathering in Gulfport on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.

The incident, described by officials as stemming from a “domestic dispute gone wrong,” took place shortly after 2:05 p.m. outside the Jack and Florence Goldin Sportsplex, where Empowerment Ministries Christian Center was hosting an outdoor event.

According to preliminary reports, a young woman invited the father of her child to the gathering so he could spend time with their baby.

However, the situation quickly escalated when the father reportedly attempted to leave with the child without consent.

Alarmed by the unfolding tension, two church members — both part of the ministry’s security team — stepped in to defuse the situation and protect those present, including a number of children.

One of the church members noticed the man holding the baby while also armed with a firearm, raising immediate concern.

As the men approached and words were exchanged, the baby’s father backed away and suddenly opened fire, striking one of the church members, a deacon and head of the church’s security team, who fell to the ground.

The gunman then allegedly shot the deacon a second time while he was down. Despite his injuries, the deacon managed to return fire, reportedly striking the shooter.

The second church member was also wounded in the gunfire.

The suspect then attempted to flee the scene with the baby still in his arms.

Witnesses reported that the man tripped and fell, possibly due to his sagging pants, causing both the baby and firearm to fall to the ground.

He quickly recovered, got into a vehicle driven by his own father, and fled the area.

Authorities later located the individuals at Garden Park, where emergency responders were dispatched.

Tragically, the deacon succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second church member was airlifted to Mobile, Alabama, with life-threatening injuries, while another individual was transported via ambulance to a local hospital.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that three individuals have been detained in connection with the shooting.

At least one of the suspects is believed to have been struck by gunfire during the exchange.

The baby was not reported injured.

Investigators have emphasized that the shooting is not connected to Spring Break activities.

The Gulfport Police Department, along with other responding agencies, is continuing its investigation.

Anyone with information or video footage related to the incident is urged to contact Gulfport Police or submit an anonymous tip through local Crime Stoppers.