The loud pops and bangs that filled the air in Dayton’s Oregon District early Sunday, Aug. 4 were sadly not made by fireworks.

It was the sound of Dayton joining the sisterhood of cities rocked by mass shootings.

A 24-year-old man with a semi-automatic pistol that police say was modified to act like a rifle, murdered nine people enjoying what was a beautiful night out on the town.

What Had Happened Was host Amelia Robinson and her husband Anthony Shoemaker heard the gun blast from their home and were among the first journalists on the shocking scene.

WHIO TV reporters Molly Koweek and Monica Castro rushed to the entertainment district known for its independent restaurants, bars and shops.

They were able to get some of the first reports and have continue to cover the horrific crime.

Amelia talks to Molly and Monica, who despite being just a few years into their news careers, have covered mass shootings in the past.

NOTE: This episode includes first person accounts.

Cox Media Group Ohio, including WHIO, Dayton Daily News and Dayton.com, has partnered with the Dayton Foundation in the Dayton Oregon District Tragedy Fund. The fund allows individuals to make charitable contributions to help the families directly affected by this terrible tragedy.

For more information about the Dayton Foundation, go to DaytonFoundation.org.