IOWA CITY, IA — Iowa City police are asking the public for help identifying people of interest after an early Sunday shooting on the Pedestrian Mall left five people injured, including three University of Iowa students. Officers said one victim remains in critical condition while the other four are stable.
The shooting happened during a large fight near East College Street and South Clinton Street, and police have not announced any arrests. A Hawk Alert went out shortly after the gunfire, warning people to avoid the area.
How the shooting unfolded
Police said officers were sent to the 100 block of East College Street at 1:46 a.m. Sunday for a fight. When they arrived, they heard gunshots, according to the department’s news release.
University of Iowa senior Leah Rauch said she was leaving The Union bar with friends when she heard what sounded like several shots. She said the Ped Mall did not seem unusually crowded or chaotic before the gunfire started, and people scattered as they tried to get away.
Rauch said she and her group ran toward College Green Park after realizing the noises were gunshots. She said fights at closing time are not unusual downtown, but she had never seen anything escalate like this.
University leaders respond
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson said three of the injured were UI students and said she was thinking about the victims, their families and others shaken by the shooting. She said the campus community is hurting and that the students and those who care about them are being held close in her thoughts.
Iowa Board of Regents President Robert Cramer said the board’s priority is the safety of faculty, staff and students. He said regents officials were in contact with the university and would help with whatever support was needed.
Police seek tips and video
Investigators said surveillance footage shows five individuals walking together in the area and identified them as persons of interest connected to the shooting. Police are asking anyone with information or video footage to contact Detective Cade Burma.
Anonymous tips can also be sent through Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers, where information leading to an arrest may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. Police said there was no known ongoing threat tied to the incident as of Sunday afternoon.
Gov. Kim Reynolds also said her prayers were with the victims and their families and that state resources were available to help with the investigation. The Department of Public Safety has offered support to Iowa City police.
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