Multiple people have been reported injured in a possible mass shooting near the University of Iowa’s campus following a wild brawl early Sunday.
Police were responding to a large fight at the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City at approximately 1:45 a.m. when arriving officers heard gunshots ring out, the Iowa City Police Department said.
Dramatic video shared on social media captured dozens of people crowded around a brawl — as a group of men threw haymakers at each other.
Multiple people have been injured after a fight in Iowa City sparked a shooting. X/RawsAlerts
Separate clips caught people frantically running away from the gunshots.
“At this time, multiple victims have been taken to area hospitals to be treated for wounds suffered in the shooting,” the statement read.
🚨#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
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 19, 2026
The number of victims or the severity of their injuries was not immediately known, but unconfirmed reports said at least six people had been hospitalized.
The popular college bar strip is located a mile east of the University of Iowa’s campus, across the Iowa River.
No arrests had been made as of Sunday morning. instagram/Mohammed yasar ullah shakeel
Police were called at around 1:45 a.m. Central. Iowa’s News Now/YouTube
University officials issued a campus-wide “Hawk alert” at 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 made just after 2 a.m. Central.
No arrests have been made in the early morning chaos, officials said.
The Iowa City Police launched an investigation into the shooting, asking for 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.