9 Critically Injured, Suspect Shot By Officer In Downtown Tucson Shooting

TUCSON, AZ — Nine people were critically injured and a suspect was shot by a Tucson police officer early Sunday morning after gunfire erupted near downtown Tucson, according to police.

The shooting happened around 2 a.m. July 19 near East Congress Street and 6th Avenue, according to the Tucson Police Department.

Police said officers assigned to the downtown district heard multiple gunshots in the 100 block of East Congress Street and ran toward the area. When they arrived, officers encountered a man running from the scene.

According to police, officers gave the man multiple commands before a uniformed officer shot him. Officers took the suspect into custody and provided medical aid before he was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Police said several people were wounded in the shooting, with most injuries involving victims' arms or legs. Officers provided first aid to multiple victims before Tucson Fire Department crews arrived and transported all injured people to local hospitals. No officers were injured.

The Pima Regional Critical Incident Team is investigating the officer-involved shooting. The Pima County Sheriff's Department is leading that investigation, while Tucson police conduct a separate internal review to determine whether department policies were followed.

The findings from both investigations will be sent to the Pima County Attorney's Office for review once they are complete.

Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who was seriously wounded in a 2011 shooting in Tucson, expressed support for those injured and their families.

"My heart is with the victims of this senseless shooting, as well as their families," Giffords said in a statement. "I am praying for swift and full recoveries for everyone who was injured."

"As we await more information, what I know is this: Arizonans should be able to go get pizza on a Saturday night without fearing the next random act of gun violence," Giffords added. "Arizona continues to have laws that make it easy for dangerous people to access guns — the time to act is now.”

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said prosecutors were notified of both the shooting investigation and the officer-involved shooting investigation early Sunday. She said victim advocates were sent to assist those affected.

Investigators are asking anyone with information or video from the area to contact 88-CRIME and reference Pima County Sheriff's Department case number 260719048. Callers can remain anonymous.