The early hours of Sunday morning in downtown Tucson were shattered by a mass shooting that left nine people injured and the suspect in critical condition. The incident, which occurred around 2 a.m. in the 100 block of East Congress Street, a bustling entertainment district, has sparked a wave of investigations and community responses.
The Tucson Police Department (TPD) reported that officers on foot patrol heard multiple gunshots and immediately responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they encountered a man running from the area. After repeated commands were ignored, a uniformed officer fired their weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital in life-threatening condition.
The Aftermath of the Shooting
The shooting left nine bystanders with gunshot wounds primarily to their extremities, including their arms and legs. Officers rendered first aid to the victims before Tucson Fire Department personnel transported them to local hospitals for treatment. No officers were injured in the incident.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero released a statement condemning the shooting as “another serious and senseless act of gun violence.” She expressed gratitude for the quick actions of the first responders and highlighted the broader impact of such incidents on the community. “The impact resulting from this act of gun violence reaches beyond the scene and the victims. It affects all of us: family and friends, first responders, the witnesses, our entire community,” Romero stated.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, while the Tucson Police Department will conduct a separate internal investigation to determine if any policy violations occurred. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old David Leroy French has been charged with nine counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, nine counts of aggravated assault with serious physical injury, and one count of discharge of a firearm at a structure.
According to the interim complaint, multiple shots were fired downtown after a verbal altercation between two groups known to each other. Video surveillance in the area pointed to French as the suspect. More charges for French are pending, and he will be transported to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex when he is released from the hospital.
Community and Political Reactions
The shooting has elicited strong reactions from community leaders and politicians. Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, expressed her heartbreak over the incident. “Too many lives have been changed forever because of America’s gun violence crisis, in my hometown and across the nation,” Giffords stated.
Congressman Juan Ciscomani praised the bravery of the Tucson police officers whose swift response helped protect the community. Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva called for common-sense gun safety reform, emphasizing the need for Congress to act to prevent such tragedies. Pima County Attorney Laura Conover highlighted the ongoing efforts of senior prosecutors and victim advocates in assisting with the aftermath of the shooting.
The incident has reignited discussions about gun safety laws and the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent future acts of violence. As the investigations continue, the community of Tucson remains united in its support for the victims and their families.
