At least one person was dead and seven others were injured Sunday following a shooting during a cookout in Baltimore, officials said.

Authorities responded to a reported shooting just after 5 p.m. in 2500 block of Edmonson Avenue, in the city's western district, Baltimore Police spokesperson Chakia Fennoy confirmed to Fox News.

Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, speaking at the scene, said a black male approached a crowd while on foot and began what he described as "a very tragic, very cowardly shooting."

He said the shooting appeared to be "extremely targeted," but did not elaborate on a possible motive.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The shooting occurred when two cookouts were happening at the same time on opposite sides of the street, according to Harrison. The commissioner said that shell casings were found in two different locations, indicating that there might have been a second gunman, or someone firing back at the first shooter, who fled the scene on foot.

Acting Mayor Jack Young told reporters the incident had nothing to do with a nearby church. "I want to make that very clear," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.