A late-November shootout near the Dome at America’s Center left two men dead and several others wounded. On November 24, 2024, officers responded shortly before 10:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire in the Columbus Square neighborhood near Eighth and Carr Streets. Damon M. Lawson, a 26-year-old Black man from East St. Louis, Illinois, was found at the scene and pronounced dead. A second victim, 20-year-old Darrien Abrams, also from East St. Louis, was taken to a hospital and later died.

Three others were hurt: two men in their mid-20s were hospitalized in varying condition, and a 24-year-old woman suffered a graze wound but declined immediate treatment. Investigators recovered numerous shell casings and homicide detectives have taken over the case. No motive has been released and, as of the last update, no suspects were in custody.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could identify the shooters is asked to come forward.