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Five people including at least three college students were injured in a mass shooting a block away from the University of Iowa’s campus when a wild brawl broke out early Sunday.
Police were responding to a large fight at the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City around 1:45 a.m. involving as many as 100 people when the gunshots rang out, the Iowa City Police Department said.
“One victim is in critical condition and the other four victims are in stable condition,” Iowa City Public Safety said in a Facebook post Sunday afternoon.
Cops shared a photo of five “persons of interest” in the carnage and are asking for the public’s help in finding them.
“Anyone with information on the people pictured here are asked to contact Detective Cade Burma at cburma@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5275,” authorities said.
Dramatic video shared on social media captured dozens of people crowded around the melee as a group of men threw haymakers at each other.
Separate clips caught people frantically running away from the gunshots.
🚨#BREAKING: Multiple injuries have been reported as sh0ts and fights broke out at the University of Iowa in Iowa City
Currently, dozens of emergency crews are responding to an active situation at the University of Iowa in Iowa City after reports of fights… pic.twitter.com/ckCFn9P2eN
“At this time, multiple victims have been taken to area hospitals to be treated for wounds suffered in the shooting,” the police statement read.
University of Iowa President Barb Wilson confirmed in a statement that at least three of the wounded people are students.
“I am writing to you with a heavy heart. Early today, a shooting in downtown Iowa City injured three University of Iowa students. Iowa City Police are investigating, with the full support of University of Iowa Police,” she wrote in the statement.
“The university is in close communication with local law enforcement and will share more information as we are able. For now, I encourage you to rely on official university communications for updates,” Wilson added.
The popular college-bar strip is a block away from the nearest University of Iowa building.
University officials issued a campus-wide “Hawk alert” around 1:50 a.m. Central Time warning of gunshots near the intersection of E College Street and Clinton Street.
“Situation Update: First responders on scene. Confirmed victims. Please continue to avoid the area,” read one of the alerts.
No arrests have been made, officials said.
The Iowa City Police are asking witnesses to come forward and give 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.
