Nine people were wounded in a mass shooting in downtown Tucson, Arizona, early Sunday before a responding police officer shot the suspected gunman, bringing the attack to an end, authorities said. The violence unfolded around 2 a.m. near the intersection of East Congress Street and Sixth Avenue, a popular nightlife district, where officers already patrolling the area on foot heard gunfire and immediately ran toward the scene.
According to Tucson police, officers encountered a man fleeing the area and repeatedly ordered him to stop. When he failed to comply, one officer fired a department-issued weapon, striking the suspect. Officers provided emergency medical aid before the suspect was transported to a hospital, where he remained in life-threatening condition. Police have not publicly identified the suspect or disclosed a possible motive.
The nine victims, all adults, suffered gunshot wounds primarily to their arms or legs and were taken to area hospitals in critical condition. Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said officials were hopeful all of the victims would survive. No police officers were injured during the incident. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, while Tucson police are conducting a separate internal review that will be forwarded to the Pima County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities closed several streets surrounding the crime scene as investigators collected evidence and interviewed witnesses. Officials urged anyone with information or video from the area to contact investigators or submit anonymous tips through 88-CRIME. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero described the shooting as “another serious and senseless act of gun violence,” while state leaders from both parties praised the officers and first responders who quickly intervened as the investigation into the shooting continues.
Editorial credit: FotoDax / Shutterstock.com