A downtown shooting near the central plaza injured multiple people; emergency crews and police have sealed the area
CRITICAL: Shooting at downtown central plaza wounds multiple people
FLASH — At 14:12 today, gunfire broke out at the central plaza in the downtown district. Police and emergency crews arrived within minutes. Several people were injured; at least one is in critical condition at a local hospital.
Authorities have sealed off the area and are treating the scene as an active crime scene.
What happened
– Where: Central plaza, downtown — a busy public square near the transit hub.
– When: First 911 calls came in at 14:12 local time.
– Who: Multiple civilians were wounded; law enforcement and EMS responded on site. A person of interest was later detained two blocks from the plaza (update 15:30).
– Why: Motive unknown. Investigation ongoing.
On the ground
Witnesses described chaotic scenes near storefronts and benches as people scrambled for cover.
Reporters at the scene saw police tape, ambulances, and officers canvassing nearby businesses for footage and witnesses. Traffic around the area is being rerouted and several transit lines are delayed.
Timeline (key moments)
– 14:12 — Calls reporting shots fired at the central plaza.
– 14:15 — First patrols arrived; officers began triage and crowd control.
– 14:28 — Ambulances arrived; victims transported to the nearest trauma center.
– 14:45 — Perimeter established; detectives and forensic teams began processing the scene.
– 15:30 (update) — Police confirm a person of interest is in custody, detained two blocks from the plaza.
– 16:10 (update) — Police chief Maria Alvarez is scheduled to brief the public at 17:00.
What authorities say
Police Chief Maria Alvarez at the scene: “We are treating this as an ongoing investigation. Our priority is securing the area and providing aid to the injured.” Hospital spokesperson Dr. Thomas Reed: “We have received four patients from the incident. One is critical; the others are stable. We cannot release identities at this time.”
Investigation details
– Officers recovered multiple shell casings and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
– Detectives are interviewing witnesses and collecting digital evidence from phones and cameras.
– Forensic and ballistic testing are underway. Authorities say there’s no confirmed link to previous local incidents.
Public safety & what you should do
– Avoid the central plaza and follow detour and transit notices.
– If you were in the area and have video or information, contact investigators — officials asked anyone with footage to come forward.
– Expect delays on lines that pass through downtown while the scene remains active.
What’s next
Investigators will continue processing the scene, reviewing CCTV and witness statements. Prosecutors will consider charges after evidence is compiled. Police chief Alvarez is expected to provide further details at her scheduled briefing.
Reporter on scene
John Carter, downtown district.
This is a developing story. We will update as officials release more information.
