By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Downtown Tucson business owners are taking a closer look at safety protocols following Sunday’s mass shooting, with many saying improvements can be made while also expressing support for law enforcement.
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The conversation gained traction after a social media post by Empire Pizza claimed “there is a stronger security presence guarding our bus station than any business in downtown.”
Business owners weigh in on safety
Andrew Diodati, a legal professional whose office is one block from Empire Pizza, said his building was hit by gunfire a year ago.
“The overall safety feels a little shaky, particularly on Fridays and Saturday nights,” Diodati said. “It was definitely an eye-opener. It made me feel cautious.”
The Tucson Police Officers Association pushed back on Empire Pizza’s claims, noting that recent initiatives by Rio Nuevo and the city have deployed more officers around downtown businesses on weekends. Tucson Police Department said 25 uniformed officers and sergeants and two community service officers were staffed downtown Saturday night.
Grant Krueger, owner of Union Hospitality Group, said the police response to the shooting was swift.
“They responded to the situation inside of 60 seconds. Would that have even happened in midtown that quickly? I don’t know,” Krueger said.
Chris Monzon, director of entertainment at Hotel Congress, said his business has consistently felt supported by law enforcement.
“There’s never been a case where we felt like we didn’t have resources available to us or the support handy,” Monzon said.
Steps being taken
The Downtown Tucson Partnership said it is exploring expanded lighting, visibility, and camera infrastructure. The organization has also launched Tucson Together, a program that scans IDs to keep a record of everyone who enters downtown establishments.
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Krueger said he plans to implement private security at his upcoming “Block A” business — a step already taken by nightlife venues such as High Wire.
“If we can work together to eliminate that 1% that’s causing these issues, downtown is gonna be a safer and better place for everyone,” Krueger said.
Justin Olson, district manager at High Wire, said the shooting reinforced the need for preparation.
“It’s something that, you know, you’re never anticipating until it happens, and we want to be as fully prepared as we possibly can over here,” Olson said.
Olson also called for broader community action.
“I think it’s just us as a whole, as a city, need to come together and just kind of not be silent on these things,” Olson said.
Hotel Congress officials said they are working to organize a safety protocol training class for businesses in the area to help prepare for dangerous events.
This weekend’s shooting comes less than a block from the site of a February 2025 shooting outside Cobra Arcade on Congress Street at Scott Avenue, in which one man was injured and another was arrested.
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