A mass shooting injured nine people early Sunday in downtown Tucson’s 100 block of East Congress Street, police said. The suspect, 21-year-old David Leroy French, was shot by a Tucson officer after fleeing the scene and faces multiple charges related to the incident, officials confirmed.
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old David Leroy French, was shot by a Tucson Police officer after fleeing the scene, officials said. French faces multiple charges, including nine counts each of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with serious physical injury, as well as one count of discharging a firearm at a structure, according to Tucson Police. He was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following the officer-involved shooting and remained under medical care while charges were filed, Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto confirmed.
Nine people were struck by gunfire and sustained injuries, primarily to their extremities, officials said.
The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday in the 100 block of East Congress Street near Sixth Avenue, a busy entertainment district in downtown Tucson, according to police reports. All victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The identities of the victims had not been released as of early reports.
Mayor Regina Romero described the incident as a “serious and senseless act of gun violence,” noting that the shooter recklessly fired into a crowded area before being stopped by a Tucson Police officer. Romero and other city leaders defended existing safety measures in the downtown area in response to concerns raised after the shooting. Officials emphasized ongoing police presence and said they were reviewing policies related to public safety in the entertainment district.
The Pima Regional Critical Incident Team assumed responsibility for the criminal investigation into the mass shooting, while the Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the circumstances of the officer-involved shooting. Tucson Police are conducting a separate inquiry into whether any policy violations occurred during the response. Authorities reported no officers were injured during the incident despite the suspect firing multiple rounds.
Businesses located near the shooting site spoke out about safety concerns following the mass shooting. A downtown Tucson business described as “front and center” to the incident expressed worries about the risk of gun violence in the area, according to local reports. Workers at nearby storefronts said the shooting forced them to close during the police investigation, disrupting weekend economic activity. The crowded nature of the entertainment district at the time of the shooting heightened concerns among business owners about customer safety during late-night hours. Comments from business representatives highlighted the challenge of balancing vibrant nightlife with public safety and crime prevention efforts.
City officials and law enforcement urged anyone with information or video footage related to the shooting to contact 88-CRIME (520-882-7463) to assist in the investigation. Investigators continue to seek surveillance and witness videos to gather more evidence.
Emergency responders and hospital staff managed a mass-casualty response as multiple patients arrived from the downtown area. While the initial condition of the victims was described as critical, further details on their status were not disclosed in early statements.
The shooting has intensified discussions among city leaders, police, and business owners regarding late-night security, crowd management, and gun violence prevention strategies in downtown Tucson. Officials reiterated calls for community cooperation and reporting as part of ongoing efforts to address public safety. The incident has brought renewed focus to safety policies and patrols in the downtown corridor, with city and law enforcement leaders emphasizing that plans and strategies were already in place prior to Sunday’s event.
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