On Easter Sunday Eve, a mass shooting near Circle Center Mall in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana cast a shadow over the holiday weekend, resulting in seven youths, four male and three female, aged 12 to 17, being injured.
This violent outbreak occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday, March 30, 2024. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded quickly, with officers nearby due to increased patrols in the area in response to recent violent weekends.
Upon hearing gunshots, officers were dispatched to the scene, where they found six juveniles with gunshot wounds among a large gathering. A seventh victim, also wounded in the incident, independently sought medical attention at a local hospital. The conditions of the victims varied, but they were all stabilized, with the most severely injured initially listed in critical condition but later upgraded to stable.
This incident is the third consecutive weekend where the IMPD has had to respond to mass shootings, signaling a troubling trend of violence in the city.
A week ago, authorities reported a fatal confrontation outside an east downtown Indianapolis bar that resulted in one fatality and five injuries, including a police officer. Police detailed that in that altercation on March 24, two off-duty officers working security at the bar returned fire against an assailant, resulting in the suspect’s death. During the exchange, one officer was hit in the leg and also sustained a shoulder injury due to a fall.
On March 16, another shooting occurred at a bar in the Broad Ripple area, north of the city’s center, which left one person dead and six others injured. Police have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with this event and have charged him with murder.
Increased police presence in downtown areas, especially on weekends, reflects the IMPD’s proactive approach to curbing the situation. Over 25 officers were on patrol Saturday night to manage large juvenile gatherings and prevent such tragic outcomes.
Deputy Chief Tanya Terry highlighted the recurring issue of young people resorting to gun violence to resolve conflicts, a concern that this latest incident has amplified. The absence of immediate suspects or a clear motive complicates the investigation, which remains ongoing as authorities review surveillance footage, follow up on leads, and issue search warrants. The police have not disclosed specific details about the shooters or the type of firearms used, but several guns are believed to have been used.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett conveyed deep sadness over the Easter Sunday shooting involving young individuals, as noted by a local media outlet. He stated unequivocally that children, especially as young as 12, should not be out late without adult supervision, and under no circumstances should they have access to firearms.
The community and law enforcement’s struggle with youth violence and gun access has prompted calls for increased parental involvement and awareness of children’s activities and whereabouts, especially during late hours. As the investigation continues, IMPD urges anyone with information to come forward, aiming to arrest those responsible and prevent further violence.