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Manassas debates future of First Friday after deadly shooting

nbcwashington.com · 9h · first reportShare

Residents, leaders and law enforcement in Manassas, Virginia, are debating whether the city should keep hosting First Friday after a teenager who was an innocent bystander was shot and killed at the most recent event. The public event has become a tradition in which the historic downtown Manassas transforms into a big block party on the first Friday of every month. A 16-year-old girl identified as Ashley was caught in the crossfire when three suspects opened fire near the train depot in Old Town Manassas during the First Friday in early September. Police arrested and charged three men in the shooting . Two of the suspects were out on bond for unrelated cases when the deadly shooting happened, police said. Shortening the hours of the event, improving security and limiting outdoor drinking are some of the potential changes discussed during the Manassas City Council’s meeting on Monday night. Some residents at the meeting said First Friday should continue as-is, while others voiced concer