Five people were wounded early Sunday after gunfire broke out in downtown Iowa City near the University of Iowa campus. Police responded around 1:46 a.m. in the 100 block of East College Street, where a large fight had erupted.
The shooting took place in the Pedestrian Mall—commonly known as the Ped Mall—a busy downtown area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops just steps from campus. Videos from bystanders showed a chaotic scene, with a crowd scattering as gunfire rang out. As officers arrived, they reported hearing shots and quickly found several victims. “Arriving officers heard gunfire. First responders on scene. Confirmed victims,” police said.
All five victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Officials later confirmed that one person remains in critical condition, while the other four are stable. At least three of those injured are University of Iowa students, according to university leadership. In a message to the campus community, University of Iowa President Barb Wilson said, “While we await additional information, I am thinking about these students and their families, friends, and all the people who care about them. I am holding them close in my thoughts, along with everyone in our community who is hurting or feeling shaken right now.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds posted on X Sunday morning: “Kevin’s and my prayers this morning are with the victims of the shooting in Iowa City and their families. This senseless act of violence has devastated the university community and our state. I have spoken with University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson and Board of Regents Chair Robert Cramer and assured them that the full resources of the state are available to assist with the investigation. The Department of Public Safety has contacted the Iowa City Police Department to offer their support.”
No arrests have been announced. Investigators have released surveillance images of several persons of interest and are asking for the public’s help in identifying them. Anyone with information on the people pictured is asked to contact Detective Cade Burma at cburma@iowa-city.org or call 319-356-5275.
Editorial credit: University of College / Shutterstock.com