Raucous party not the typical event for White Township community center, director says

A raucous party billed as a post-homecoming event, where a Homestead man was killed just after midnight Sunday, is not typical for the Chevy Chase Community Center, located on a relatively quiet block in White Township, Indiana County.

“We rent the center quite often, but it’s usually for things like a children’s birthday party or a wedding reception,” said Brandi Ports, the center’s executive director.

She spent most of the day Monday trying to coordinate the center’s weekly services — including meal distributions — without access to the building, as it remained cordoned off with police tape until about 11 a.m.

Jamar M. Porterfield Herriot Jr., 22, of Homestead was fatally shot and at least eight others were wounded during a private party at the center. More than 150 people, including some who are students at nearby Indiana University of Pennsylvania, ran through the residential neighborhood to escape the gunfire.

Police early Sunday initially responded to a noise complaint, but arrived to the sound of gunfire and the sight of people running from the building.

“The center is rarely rented for something like this,” Ports said. She declined to comment on who rented the center for the party, and referred additional related questions to the Indiana County District Attorney. That office was closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day.

Social media publicity in advance of the Saturday-night party was posted on an Instagram page called “10K Entertainment.” That page appeared to have been deleted after the incident. Ports said 10K Entertainment was not the entity that rented the center, but declined further comment.

Jenny Rairigh and several other volunteers were around the block from the community center Monday morning, set up to keep the center’s meal distribution program going as they waited to return to the building.

“We wanted to make sure that people who need it can still have access without a break in service,” Rairigh said. “We have 30 to 40 clients.”

In addition to its “Meals 2 You” program, the center operates a farmer’s market with fresh vegetables and produce as well as a community lunch program.

“Right now we’re working on securing meals for our clients in need,” Ports said.

Ports declined to comment on how the incident could affect the nonprofit center’s future. Its website advertises that it is available to rent for “weddings, birthday celebrations, family gatherings and more,” and can accommodate up to 150 people.

Donations to the center are accepted at ChevyChaseCenter.org.