WRAL Reports Medical Emergency at Grifols Plant in Clayton as Asheville Faces Ongoing Violence Investigation

A large emergency response descended on a Grifols pharmaceutical plant in Clayton early Monday morning, while investigators in Asheville pursued leads into a weekend shooting that claimed two lives and wounded seven others. The incidents highlight ongoing safety challenges across North Carolina communities, from workplace emergencies to urban violence.

Clayton Pharmaceutical Plant Emergency

Multiple ambulances and fire responders arrived at the Grifols facility on U.S. Highway 70 Business around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, according to WRAL's on-scene reporting. A Johnston County 911 supervisor confirmed that a medical emergency had occurred at the plant but declined to provide additional specifics, citing privacy protections. The nature and severity of the incident remain unclear as authorities continue their assessment.

Asheville Shooting Investigation Intensifies

In Asheville, law enforcement is actively pursuing the perpetrator of a mass shooting that unfolded early Sunday morning outside Dalton's Distillery and the adjacent Smile Starters parking lot along Biltmore Avenue. The incident, which occurred around 2:20 a.m., involved an estimated 25 to 30 gunshots fired in rapid succession, according to eyewitness accounts. Two individuals were killed and seven others sustained injuries; five victims remain in stable condition while two continue receiving hospital care.

Witnesses reported that shots appeared to originate from a vehicle traveling along Biltmore Avenue, a detail corroborated by investigators who have gathered physical evidence throughout the parking lot. The location served as an informal gathering spot after nearby bars closed at 2 a.m., drawing crowds of patrons seeking to extend their evening.

Police Ruling Out Random Violence

Asheville Police Interim Chief Jackie Stepp emphasized that investigators do not believe the shooting was a random act. Evidence suggests the violence may have stemmed from a prior gun-related incident, though specific details have not been disclosed. "This community should not normalize gun violence," Stepp stated, urging residents to reject acceptance of such incidents as inevitable.

City leadership, including Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Manager DK Wesley, released a joint statement pledging continued collaboration with the community to develop solutions addressing violence. No arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains active. The police department has requested assistance from anyone with information related to the shooting.