Investigators are looking for a number of suspects in the shooting, which took place early Sunday in the East Allegheny district of a property rented through the short-term rental company Airbnb.
The teenagers killed were also 17-year-old men, according to the Allegheni County Court. Eight other people were shot and five were injured as they fled the shooting, Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert said.
Here’s what we know about shooting.
More than 90 rounds fired
The shooting happened around 12:30 p.m., and when police arrived at the scene, they saw several young men fleeing the area, officials said.
Investigators are still working to determine what led to the shooting, but Schubert said there was a quarrel over the exchange of shots.
Schubert called the scene chaotic, with more than 90 rounds of cannon fired both inside and outside the home.
“You had people running away, just trying to get out of there,” the boss said.
“About 50 rounds of ammunition were fired inside, prompting some partygoers to jump out of windows, injuring them with broken bones and tears. Several more shots were fired outside the home, “the press release said.
“Here we are at Easter and we have many families, two who will not see a loved one,” said the boss.
Investigators are gathering evidence from eight separate crime sites, officials said Sunday morning.
Public schools of “modified blocking”
Pittsburgh public schools used a “modified blockade” on Monday in response to what the area called a “horrific” shooting.
“So many Pittsburgh families have been affected by today’s tragedy,” interim superintendent Wayne N. Walters said in a statement.
“Modified blocking means that only people with appointments are allowed to enter or leave our buildings,” Walters said.
“Our thoughts are with the families of lost loved ones and anyone who experiences grief and trauma during this time,” he added.
It is unclear whether the victims of the shooting or the party-goers were students in the Pittsburgh public school district, but Schubert said “most” of those present at the party were minors.
The tenant of the property is already “banned” by Airbnb
The person who booked the property where the party took place has been banned from the platform for life, Airbnb said in a statement to CNN. Company officials said they “condemn the behavior that allegedly led to this criminal violence with weapons.”
Airbnb has contacted the Pittsburgh Police Department and Mayor Ed Ganey’s office, the statement said.
Airbnb notes that parties are not permitted as part of its rental agreements and that this is “an unauthorized party organized without the knowledge or consent of the host”.
Users must be at least 18 years old to create an account on the platform, Airbnb noted, adding that “all legal options are being considered” against the person who booked the rent.
“We share the outrage of the Pittsburgh community over this tragic gun violence. “Our hearts are with all those affected – including the relatives of those who lost their lives, the injured and the neighbors,” Airbnb said in a statement.
Laura James of CNN contributed to this report.
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