By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Tucson’s Police Chief is speaking out about Sunday’s mass shooting that wounded nine people and a suspect, who has now been identified as 21-year-old David Leroy French.
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Chief Monica Prieto said all of the victims are recovering, with “many of them already released from the hospital.”
Prieto said “I am truly inspired by the actions of our TPD officers, the Tucson Fire Department, the community members and businesses who assisted, and the staff at Banner University Medical Center. The Tucson community can have confidence in knowing that their police department is ready and prepared, which was evident in our response.”
Prieto added “The Tucson Police Department frequently trains for situations involving an active threat with multiple shooting victims. Our commitment to training resulted in an immediate response where a TPD officer courageously engaged the suspect and stopped the violence. TPD officers immediately rendered trauma first aid to the victims and the suspect. This response was also made possible through our commitment to data-driven strategies and the Mayor and Council’s Safe City Initiative. At the time of the shooting, the Downtown District was staffed with 20 uniformed officers, 5 uniformed sergeants, and 2 community service officers. There has been, and will continue to be, a substantial and highly visible TPD presence in Downtown Tucson for the safety of our community.”
The incident started 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 French running from the scene.
Officers gave French 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 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.”
You can watch more of her interview below.
The suspect was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Police say during the initial shooting, nine people suffered gunshot wounds, mostly to their extremities.
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.
Arizona Senate Republican response
Senate President Warren Petersen released the following statement on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus: “Our hearts are with every victim, every family, and the Tucson community as they endure this senseless act of violence. We are grateful for the courageous Tucson police officers and first responders who ran toward danger to stop the threat and provide lifesaving aid. As this tragedy reminds us, evil exists, which is why we remain steadfast in supporting law enforcement and the constitutional rights of law-abiding Arizonans to protect themselves and others. We are praying for the recovery of those who were injured, for comfort for the families affected, and for justice to be served.”
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