A 21-year-old has been charged following a shooting incident in Tucson’s bustling downtown nightlife area that left nine people injured. The incident occurred early Sunday before police subdued the suspect.
Identified as David Leroy French, the suspect faces multiple charges including nine counts of aggravated assault using a deadly weapon, nine counts of inflicting serious physical injury through aggravated assault, and a single count of firing at a structure, according to a statement from the Tucson Police Department.
While currently hospitalized, French was formally charged in absentia. Upon his recovery, he will be transferred to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex, as per police reports.
A forensic photographer from the Tucson Police Department documented the aftermath of the shooting that wounded nine individuals in downtown Tucson on early Sunday, July 19, 2026. (Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star)
Authorities have indicated that more charges could be brought against French as the investigation continues.
The shooting erupted around 2 a.m. in the 100 block of East Congress Street, a busy area lined with bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
An interim complaint said the gunfire followed a verbal altercation. Investigators identified French as the shooter after reviewing surveillance footage, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
Officers patrolling nearby heard the shots and rushed to the scene on foot, police said.
Evidence markers sit near clothing as Tucson police investigate a downtown shooting that wounded nine people early Sunday, July 19, 2026. (Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star)
Police said officers saw the suspect running from the area and repeatedly ordered him to stop.
After he allegedly ignored their commands, a uniformed officer fired his weapon and struck him.
The suspect was taken into custody and given first aid before being transported to a hospital in life-threatening condition.
Tucson police detectives investigate the downtown scene where nine people were wounded in a shooting early Sunday, July 19, 2026. (Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star via Getty Images)
Nine other people were shot and taken to local hospitals.
Police said most were wounded in the arms or legs. No deaths were reported, and no officers were injured.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department told News Media that it is not releasing French’s mugshot at this time, citing a ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.