In a distressing incident on Sunday morning, a mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona’s bustling downtown entertainment district left at least 10 people injured, according to authorities.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, attempted to escape the scene but was subsequently shot by an officer responding to the emergency, the Tucson Police Department (TPD) reported. The assailant is currently in a local hospital in critical condition.
While no fatalities were reported, nine individuals sustained injuries, primarily with bullet wounds to their arms and legs, stated Mayor Regina Romero. The rapid response by law enforcement seemed to have prevented a more tragic outcome.
A forensics photographer from the Tucson Police Department was seen capturing images at the scene where this shocking act of violence unfolded on Sunday morning, July 19, 2026. (Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star)
“Last night, Tucson experienced another serious and senseless act of gun violence,” Mayor Romero expressed in a Sunday statement. “A shooter recklessly began firing in a crowded area, striking nine people, before being halted by a Tucson Police Officer.”
Police said the shooting unfolded around 2 a.m. in the 100 block of East Congress Street, a downtown area known for its bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Officers patrolling nearby reportedly heard multiple gunshots and immediately responded on foot, where they encountered a man running from the scene.
Evidence markers lay near items of clothing as part of the Tucson Police Department investigation where nine people were injured in a shooting in downtown Tucson early Sunday morning, July 19, 2026. (Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star)
After the suspect allegedly ignored repeated commands from officers, a uniformed officer fired his weapon, striking the fleeing suspect, TPD said.
Police took the suspect into custody and rendered first aid before Tucson Fire Department personnel transported him to a local hospital.
Responding officers also provided emergency medical aid to several victims before firefighters arrived. All the victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
No officers were injured in the incident.
“Thanks to the quick actions and excellent care provided by our firefighters and police officers, all victims were stabilized and taken to the hospital where we are hopeful they will all recover,” Romero said.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. TPD will also be conducting a separate investigation to determine if any policy violations occurred.
Regina Romero speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 19, 2024. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP)
The Democratic mayor also condemned the shooting and pointed to what she described as Arizona’s weak gun safety laws.
“Easy access to guns and Arizona’s weak gun safety laws have continued to put all of us at risk,” Romero said. “From requiring universal background checks to extreme risk laws to funding violence prevention there is more lawmakers can and should do.”
Pima County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from News Media.