Jackson Free Press

An 8-year-old girl was shot in the head while sitting inside the Boys & Girls Club on Sykes Road at around 2:30 p.m. today, according to Jackson police. The unidentified girl was reportedly doing her homework when a bullet came from outside.

The girl was alert when she was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Jackson Assistant Police Chief Lee Vance told The Clarion Ledger that witnesses saw a gray vehicle parked outside and a group of people firing an assault rifle.

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. cited the shooting as one reason among many to remove illegal guns from the streets of the city.

"According to preliminary information, the round that was fired is consistent with the type of round used in an assault rifle," Johnson said in a statement. "If this is true, this was an illegal gun and this incident underscores the much needed regulation of illegal guns in our communities. We need to get them off the streets of Jackson and off the streets of other cities."

Johnson went on to describe the shooting as "a senseless, random act of violence," and added that his "thoughts and prayers (went) out to this young lady and her family."

Jackson Police Department spokesman Joseph Daughtry, who is currently with the girl at the hospital, said police from the department's Quality of Life team were currently "giving counsel to the family."

Anyone with information regarding this crime should call 601-960-1234.