The University of Iowa confirmed that three of its students were injured in a shooting early Sunday morning in downtown Iowa City.
Iowa City police announced that “multiple victims” were taken to the hospital after a downtown fight sparked a round of gunfire around 1:45 a.m., April 19.
According to an ICPD press release, a “large fight” broke out in the 100 block of East College Street, near the intersection with Clinton Street, in the Ped Mall.
Iowa City officers allegedly heard gunfire when they arrived on the scene. The area near Clinton and E. College Street is home to several bars, including Donnelly’s Pub, TCB Pool Hall, Reunion Brewery, Brother’s Bar and Grill, and the Stuffed Olive.
The police department said “multiple victims” were taken to area hospitals “to be treated for wounds suffered in the shooting.”
No arrests have been made, according to the Iowa City Police Department.
The Iowa City Police Department would not say how many were involved in the shooting. The conditions of the three students who were shot were not available on Sunday morning.
The Ped Mall is a popular area in downtown Iowa City near the University of Iowa Campus. It boasts several restaurants, the Iowa City Public Library, a hotel, Target, and a frozen yogurt shop.
Local, state officials release statements after Iowa City shooting
Gov. Kim Reynolds released a statement shortly before 8 a.m. Sunday, saying she and her husband’s prayers “are with the victims and their families.”
“This senseless act of violence has devastated the university community and our state,” Reynolds said. “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.
University of Iowa President Barb Wilson announced that three students had been shot in a Sunday morning statement. She said the school is in “close communication with local law enforcement,” and encouraged the community to “rely on official university communication.”
“While we await additional information, I am thinking about these students and their families, friends, and all the people who care about them,” Wilson said. “I am holding them close in my thoughts, along with everyone in the community who is hurting or feeling shaken right now.”
The University of Iowa issued a “HAWK ALERT” at 2:03 a.m. Sunday to inform students that first responders were on scene, noting “confirmed victims.”
“Moments like this can feel overwhelming. They can make a large campus feel suddenly very small,” Wilson continued in her statement. “Many of you may be worried, upset, or unsure how to process what has happened. Please know that you are not alone in that.”
The Iowa Board of Regents also released a statement shortly before 8 a.m.
“Our hearts are heavy, and our prayers are with the victims, their families and anyone affected by this horrific incident,” Iowa Board of Regents president Robert Cramer said in the statement. “The safety of all the faculty, staff and students at our universities is the highest priority to the Iowa Board of Regents. We have been in touch with university officials and will work with them to provide any support they need.”
The Iowa City Police Department is encouraging residents with additional information or video footage to share it with Detective Cade Burma at cburma@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5275.
“This is a difficult moment for our community,” Wilson said. “We will get through it together by caring for one another and by holding close what it means to be a part of this community.”
Brandon Hurley is editor of the Iowa City Press-Citizen and the Ames Tribune. He can be reached at bhurley@registermedia.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: 3 UI students injured in downtown Iowa City shooting, no arrests made
Reporting by Brandon Hurley, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Ames Tribune
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