Two Teens Injured in Walmart Parking Lot Shooting in Antioch; Metro Nashville Police Launch Investigation
ANTIOCH, Tenn. — April 30, 2025 — A violent confrontation in the parking lot of a Walmart in Antioch left two teenagers injured Wednesday evening, sparking a swift response from local law enforcement and raising concerns about youth violence in public spaces.
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) confirmed that officers were dispatched to the Walmart located in the 3000 block of Hamilton Church Road around 6:38 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found two teenagers suffering from gunshot wounds in the rear section of the store’s parking lot.
According to a police spokesperson, early findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that the two victims had arranged to meet in the back of the parking lot when the gunfire erupted. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and investigators are actively pursuing leads to determine whether the teens were targeted, involved in a dispute, or caught in a broader incident.
One of the victims, identified as an 18-year-old male, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The other victim, whose identity and exact age have not yet been released, was critically wounded and remains hospitalized in serious condition.
As of Thursday morning, police have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects. Detectives continue to comb through surveillance footage from the store and surrounding businesses and are appealing to witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
The Walmart location was temporarily secured by law enforcement following the shooting, though normal operations resumed later in the evening. The area where the shooting occurred remained cordoned off with crime scene tape while investigators examined shell casings and collected evidence.
Residents in the Antioch neighborhood expressed shock and concern about the incident, especially given the number of families and young people who frequent the shopping center.
“It’s really scary to think something like this could happen so close to home, and in broad daylight,” said shopper Melanie Cortez, who arrived at the store shortly after the shooting took place. “My kids go to that Walmart with me all the time. It makes you think twice.”
Community leaders and violence prevention advocates have also responded, calling for increased security and proactive outreach efforts to help address conflicts among youth before they escalate to gun violence.
The Metro Nashville Police Department urges anyone with information related to the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
This incident adds to a growing list of gun-related events involving teens in Nashville, prompting renewed dialogue around safety, youth engagement, and gun control in the region.
This story is developing and will be updated as new details become available.