2 dead, 14 wounded in mass shooting in New York

Two people died and at least 14 others injured following a mass shooting at a backyard party in Rochester, New York, ABC News reports citing Rochester Police Department.

The shooting took place on Pennsylvania Avenue around 12 am US Eastern Time, according to authorities.

This is "truly a tragedy of epic proportions," Rochester interim Police Chief Mark Simmons said during a press conference early Saturday morning. "Sixteen victims is unheard of."

One deceased victim is a female aged 18-22 and the other is a male, also aged 18-22. The 14 surviving victims were taken to two local hospitals. Simmons said none of the other victims have suffered life-threatening injuries.

Police have not released the names of the victims and have not identified a suspect.

Officers, Simmons said, are still interviewing witnesses to get more information about how the shooting started and learn more about the suspect or suspects.

A witness told a news affiliate that the gunfire sounded "like the Vietnam War."

When police arrived at the scene, Simmons said officers saw 100 people running to and from the location. Up until the 911 call came in for the shooting, there were no calls to complain about the large gathering, he said.

The city of Rochester has been on edge recently with nightly protests following the release of footage that showed the death of 41-year-old Daniel Prude in police custody.