Several individuals have sustained injuries in what appears to be a mass shooting incident near the University of Iowa’s campus, following a chaotic altercation early Sunday morning.
The Iowa City Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City around 1:45 a.m. to address a large-scale fight. Upon arrival, the responding officers heard gunfire erupting in the area.
Videos circulating on social media vividly depict a crowd surrounding a brawl, with men exchanging punches in a chaotic scene.
Additional footage shows bystanders fleeing in panic as gunshots are heard in the background.
According to a police statement, “Multiple victims have been transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries resulting from the shooting.”
The number of victims or the severity of their injuries was not immediately known, but unconfirmed reports said at least six people had been hospitalized.
The popular college bar strip is located a mile east of the University of Iowa’s campus, across the Iowa River.
University officials issued a campus-wide “Hawk alert” at around 1:50 a.m. Central Time, warning of gunshots near the intersection of E College Street and Clinton Street.
“Situation Update: First responders on scene. Confirmed victims. Please continue to avoid the area,” read one of the alerts made just after 2 a.m. Central.
No arrests have been made in the early morning chaos, officials said.
The Iowa City Police launched an investigation into the shooting, asking for witnesses to come forward and give their accounts along with any security camera footage.
Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
