By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The Tucson Police Department says officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting early Sunday morning, July 19.
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The TPD said in a news conference this morning it happened on East Congress Street and North 6th Avenue about 2:00 a.m. when officers on foot patrol heard gunshots and responded to the area.
Police say as officers arrived, they encountered a male suspect running from the scene.
Officers gave the suspect multiple commands before a uniformed officer fired his department-issued firearm and hit the suspect.
A witness who didn’t want to be named shared video of the scene with 13 News. You can watch below.
A witness described the scene to 13 News reporter Ariana Ariza. You can watch his interview below.
Another witness told 13 News she was outside of Empire Pizza when she saw a fight break out, and a man flash a weapon.
“He like lifted his shirt up, and I didn’t even see the gun, but I knew what that meant,” Anais Camacho said. “I said, ‘he has a gun, he has a gun,’ and nobody like moved, and I had to like grab my cousin and we dipped, and as soon we bent the corner — shots fired.”
The suspect was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
During the initial shooting, police say nine people suffered gunshot wounds, mostly to their extremities.
Officers immediately provided medical aid to many of the victims before TFD personnel arrived and transported all the victims to a local hospital for treatment.
No officers were injured during the incident.
The Pima Regional Critical Incident Team, or PRCIT, has been activated to handle the criminal investigation of this incident. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is the lead investigating agency for this officer-involved shooting.
The Tucson Police Department will be conducting a separate, but parallel investigation to determine if any policy violations occurred.
As is standard practice in all officer-involved shootings, all findings will be forwarded to the Pima County Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is complete.
Investigators are asking anyone with information or who may have video of the incident to contact 88-CRIME, and reference Pima County Sheriff’s Department case number 260719048. You can remain anonymous.
Gabby Giffords issued the following statement in response to the shooting:
“I’m heartbroken to learn that nine people were shot early this morning in downtown Tucson. Too many lives have been changed forever because of America’s gun violence crisis, in my hometown and across the nation. Mark and I are grateful for the bravery of Tucson’s first responders as we await more information and hold all those impacted in our hearts.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero issued the following statement about the shooting:
“Last night, Tucson experienced another serious and senseless act of gun violence. A shooter recklessly began shooting in a crowded area striking nine people before being stopped by a Tucson Police Officer. Thanks to the quick actions and excellent care provided by our fire fighters and police officers, all victims were stabilized and taken to the hospital where we are hopeful they will all recover.”
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“As we all know too well, the impact resulting from this act of gun violence reaches beyond the scene and the victims. It affects all of us: family and friends, first responders, the witnesses, our entire community. We know these moments leave a lasting impression on us and our sense of safety.”
“Easy access to guns and Arizona’s weak gun safety laws have continued to put all of us at risk. From requiring universal background checks to extreme risk laws to funding violence prevention there is more lawmakers can and should do.”
“We all deserve to be safe in all public spaces, in our schools, in our homes, in our shopping malls, and in our places of worship.”
“For the victims, you have my prayers for healing and a speedy recovery. To the first responders, you have my gratitude. To our community, join us in taking action against gun violence and helping the victims and those affected by gun violence to heal.”
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover released this statement Sunday afternoon:
“In the early hours this morning, both the homicide phone and the officer-involved shooting phone went off among dedicated senior prosecutors at the Pima County Attorney’s Office. Our senior leadership is still assisting after a mass shooting downtown this morning, and a team of victim advocates has been dispatched to the hospital where we are hopeful that all nine shooting victims may survive. There will be more information shared by the department and by our office as information develops, but I need to take a moment to stop and thank the officers of the Tucson Police Department who responded so quickly and effectively in a great time of need and for all the staff at the hospital now doing everything possible to keep our community members alive. Lastly, thank you to Criminal Chief Josh Moser, Deputy Criminal Chief Rachel Stiles, and Deputy Mario Gonzalez for your excellent work out at the scene through the early hours today.”
Ruben Gallego issued the following statement about the shooting via X:
“My heart is with Tucson today. The victims of last night’s senseless shooting were enjoying a night out in the city—they didn’t deserve experience this violence.
Thank you to the officers and first responders who ran toward the danger. Your courage saved lives.
Arizona takes care of its own. Tucson, we’re with you.”
Police association calls response ‘heroism’
Darrell Hussman, president of the Tucson Police Officer’s Association, said he was alarmed to hear about the shooting, but that the officer’s proximity to the scene was critical.
“We had an officer that happened to be right place, right time, ended the threat, and that’s where everyone wants to focus but I also want to, not take away from what he did, but also focus on what the officers that responded were available to do,” Hussman said.
Hussman said the department’s response reflected the work officers are capable of doing.
“There was so much that we can be proud of and celebrate in this event from the tragedy that happened. The officers, we have a lot of heroes that were here today, and I’m hoping that the community realizes that these are the good things we’re able to do,” Hussman said.
TPD still understaffed, association says
Despite the response, Hussman said the Tucson Police Department remains understaffed and called on the community and city leaders to provide more resources, better pay, and increased support for officers.
“We want to make sure that downtown is a safe environment to where people can come down, have a great time, and go home, enjoy the weekend, and come back the next weekend, and the last thing we want is for something like this to ever happen again,” Hussman said.
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