A mass shooting in downtown Indianapolis early Saturday morning has left two people dead and five others injured. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of West Market Street and North Illinois Street, as officers were investigating disturbances.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Of the six people wounded, three are juveniles and three are adults. One of the injured juveniles later died at the hospital. The conditions of the surviving victims are currently unknown.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers recovered several firearms at the scene and detained around seven people for questioning. However, police have not released any information about potential suspects or what might have led to the shooting.
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey expressed his frustration and dismay at the recurring violence in the city's downtown area, particularly involving young people. "A kid is dead tonight," Bailey told reporters. "It's unacceptable". He stated that officers made approximately 20 arrests throughout the night and recovered guns from minors, including "an assault rifle stuffed in the front of his pants".
Bailey criticized parents for allowing "hundreds of unsupervised kids" to roam the downtown area at night. "We are not your children's keeper. You are," he said. "Parents and guardians have got to step up". The chief added, "I'm tired of it!". He said he would work with the prosecutor's office to see if there is a way to hold parents accountable.
"I'm not sure anymore what it is gonna take for some in our community to wake up," Bailey said. "I've said it! This is where the kids are. This is where they are on Friday and Saturday nights. If you want to engage them, if you want to help them, if you want to prevent some of this violence... this is where they are". Bailey invited those who think he is exaggerating to come downtown and see for themselves.
The shooting marks the second weekend of violence in downtown Indianapolis, according to the police chief. The incident is currently under investigation.
