A deadly shooting early Saturday morning in downtown Asheville has left Andy Garcia Porras dead and several bystanders injured, according to the Asheville Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 12:07 a.m. on June 1st near Rankin Avenue and College Street, a typically busy area in the heart of downtown. Upon arrival, police discovered Andy Garcia Porras, 26, lying in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later confirmed his identity and notified his next of kin.
Porras, born May 25, 1999, was the only fatality in the incident. Police have not released details about his involvement in the shooting, but they confirmed that he was the intended target.
Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop said it was heartbroken by the fatal shooting.
“At Asheville Music Hall, the love we have for our community and its safety are at the core of who we are,” the post read, in part. “Incidents like this shake us all. They touch our hearts, our families, and our city.”
As the gunfire erupted, several innocent bystanders were also caught in the chaos. One individual sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital, where they are currently listed in stable condition. Others suffered minor grazing wounds and were treated on the scene before being released.
The Asheville Police Department has identified persons of interest and continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Detectives are actively following up on leads.
“This kind of violence in our city is unacceptable,” said a spokesperson from the department. “We’re working diligently to bring those responsible to justice.”
Officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the TIP2APD smartphone app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411. Those with direct information are encouraged to call the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110.
| Incident | Fatal shooting with bystander injuries |
|---|---|
| Date/Time | June 1, 2025, around 12:07 a.m. |
| Location | Rankin Avenue near College Street, Asheville |
| Deceased Victim | Andy Garcia Porras, age 26 |
| Injured | Multiple bystanders; 1 hospitalized, others grazed |
| Suspects | Persons of interest identified |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the victim?
The victim has been identified as Andy Garcia Porras, a 26-year-old man from Asheville. His family has been notified.
Q: Were other people hurt?
Yes, several bystanders were hit by stray gunfire. One is hospitalized in stable condition; others suffered minor injuries.
Q: Have police made any arrests?
As of now, no arrests have been made, but persons of interest have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.