Several people were reported injured in a possible mass shooting incident near the University of Iowa campus after a wild fight broke out early Sunday, AFP reported.
Reports, citing the Iowa City Police Department, said police responded to a large fight at a pedestrian mall in Iowa City at approximately 1:45 a.m. (local time) when arriving officers heard gunshots. Further, an investigation is currently underway, with the University of Iowa saying in an alert that there are “confirmed victims.” However, he did not give any other details about the victims.
The University of Iowa warns to avoid the area
The university said in an alert posted on its website: “First responders on scene. Casualties confirmed. Please continue to avoid the area.” She also said gunshots were reported near College and Clinton streets in the heart of the Midwestern college town.
Iowa City police have opened an investigation into the shooting and are asking witnesses to come forward and provide their accounts, along with any security camera footage. Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Iowa City officials said in a statement, “Iowa City police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Sunday,” adding that no arrests have yet been made. She further noted, “At this time, several victims have been transported to local hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds,” while their conditions are unknown.
According to the New York Post, while the number of casualties or their severity remains unknown, unconfirmed reports indicate that at least six people have been hospitalized.
The long history of gun violence in the US
The United States, where firearms are readily available, has a long history of gun violence that kills thousands of people each year, AFP reported. In early February, two people were killed in a shooting at South Carolina State University. In another incident in December 2025, two people were killed and nine others were injured by a gunman who opened fire in a classroom.
