Indianapolis, Indiana – Seven children were wounded in a shooting incident outside a downtown mall on Saturday evening, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police. Officers on patrol responded to the sound of gunfire just after 11:30 p.m. and found six individuals with gunshot wounds outside the Circle Center Mall.
The victims, all between the ages of 12 and 17, were quickly transported to hospitals for treatment. One person, also under 18, managed to reach a hospital on their own. As of now, one victim is in critical condition, while the remaining six are reported to be stable. Deputy Chief Tanya Terry expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the disturbing trend of young individuals resorting to firearms to settle conflicts.
Terry emphasized the need for parents to be more vigilant about their children’s activities, especially during late hours. She pointed out a pattern of young people gathering in downtown areas after mall closures, urging parents to prioritize knowing their children’s whereabouts for their safety.
Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection to the shooting and detectives are actively investigating the case as an aggravated assault. This event marks the third shooting incident in as many weekends in Indianapolis, underscoring growing concerns over gun violence in the city.
In recent weeks, Indianapolis has seen a rise in deadly shootings, with incidents resulting in multiple fatalities. Last Sunday, a tragic shooting in the east side of the city claimed the lives of five individuals, including an officer. The suspect in that case was shot and killed by law enforcement. Additionally, a shooting at a bar in March left one person dead and five others injured, with a suspect arrested and charged following a swift police investigation based on surveillance footage.