Indianapolis, Indiana – Seven children were injured in a shooting outside a downtown mall on Saturday night, with most sustaining non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities. The victims, aged 12 to 16, were involved in the incident, with one girl aged 16 and three girls aged 14, as well as two boys aged 16 and one boy aged 12 being injured. One victim initially hospitalized in critical condition is now reported to be stable, while the other children had less severe injuries, with most being released from the hospital.
During a news conference on Monday, Police Chief Christopher Bailey stated that the shooting was not a spontaneous act of violence but rather stemmed from an ongoing dispute. Officers patrolling the area responded to gunshots just after 11:30 p.m. outside the Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis. Emergency medical services transported the injured children to hospitals, with additional minors arriving at a hospital independently.
Authorities believe that there may have been more than one shooter involved in the attack and that more than one firearm was used, as indicated by evidence and witness statements. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s aggravated assault detectives are actively investigating the incident. Two minors were arrested post-shooting for allegedly resisting law enforcement, though their connection to the gunfire remains unconfirmed.
Deputy Chief of Operations Tanya Terry expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting the need to address the use of firearms in conflict resolution among young individuals. The recurring incidents of violence in the city have raised alarms among law enforcement officials and the community, leading to calls for increased parental involvement and vigilance over children’s activities, especially during late hours.
The shooting outside the mall was the third consecutive weekend of gun violence in Indianapolis. Previous incidents resulted in injuries and fatalities, prompting authorities to step up efforts to identify suspects and prevent further harm to residents. As investigations continue and security footage is reviewed, law enforcement agencies remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.