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2 shot during children's flag football game at Virginia middle school, police say

The shooting was at least the third near or at youth sporting events in the U.S. in a week.
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Two men were shot Sunday morning during a children's flag football game at a Virginia middle school, police said.

Prince William County police said officers responded to the shooting on the athletic fields of Louise A. Benton Middle School in Manassas.

NBC Washington reported that an argument on the sidelines preceded the shooting.

Police are working to find the shooter or shooters. The two men who were shot, who have not been identified, were treated for gunshot wounds Sunday.

"Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this incident," police said.

Parents described chaos during the community event.

“We’re walking down there and then you just hear gunshots. And honestly I didn’t think much, and then you hear screaming,” a mother told NBC Washington. “It was, like, terrifying screams.”

Prince William County Public Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. A representative for the district said it was aware of the shooting.

The shooting was at least the third near or at youth sporting events in the U.S. within a week.

Shots rang out Thursday near a baseball game at St. Rita of Cascia High School on Chicago’s southwest side, NBC Chicago reported. The gunfire at a McDonald's near the school caused players and spectators to duck and run for cover.

And on April 25, police responded to Pepperhill Park, in North Charleston, South Carolina, after gunshots were fired while several youth baseball games were underway, authorities said at a news conference.

“Witnesses indicated that multiple vehicles pulled into the parking lot, where a physical altercation took place, followed by dozens of gunshots,” police spokesman Harve Jacobs said. “Several youth baseball games were underway when this incident occurred. This incident tonight had nothing to do with the park, youth athletes, parents or coaches.”

No injuries were reported. Police were offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to a suspect or suspects.