At least two people were killed and five injured during a mass shooting in Indianapolis early Saturday morning that took place hours after people had gathered to mark July 4 celebrations.
One of the dead was a juvenile, while the age of the other fatality was not immediately known, Fox 59 reported.
In an emotional news conference, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Chief Chris Bailey criticized how young people had been allowed to roam around the city center causing trouble. He added that parents should be made accountable for not supervising their children. “We are not your children’s keepers,” he said.
Newsweek has contacted the IMPD for further comment.
What To Know
Police said the shooting took place around 1:30 a.m. Saturday as violence spilled over from July 4 celebrations in which fireworks were seen across the city.
Following reports of gunfire, officers arrived at the corner of West Market and North Illinois Street and later confirmed that three juveniles and three adults had been shot.
One person died at the scene and a juvenile died at the hospital. An additional person was shot, but there was no immediate information about the victim’s age.
Police Chief’s emotional response to #Indianapolis MASS #SHOOTING that left 2 dead’I don’t know how many times I have to say it — we are NOT your children’s keepers”A kid is DEAD tonight’ pic.twitter.com/c43WcC8VFm
— Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) July 5, 2025
Bailey told reporters there had been hundreds of “unsupervised kids” downtown and urged parents and guardians “to step up.”
“A kid is dead tonight, and we just don’t know the age of the young man down the street still here, dead,” Bailey said. “He looks young.”
He said that the violence was “completely unacceptable and unnecessary.” Thousands had come downtown to enjoy the fireworks and then went home, but “thousands more chose to come down here and all night cause trouble.”
Bailey said officers had to go from place to place in the city to prevent disturbances, adding, “to be honest, I am tired of it. You should be tired of it.”
Bailey said there were more than 20 overnight arrests from shootings and fights. Guns were recovered from two young people, including one who had an assault rifle stuffed in the front of his trousers, Bailey added.
What People Are Saying
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said: “I don’t know how many times I have to say it—we are not your children’s keepers. You are. Parents and guardians have got to step up. A kid is dead tonight.”
Rick Snyder, president of Indy Fraternal Order of Police, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Chief Confirms, Police are NOT the problem. Cops keep working their tails off to protect Indy, politicians and parents NOT doing their part.”
What Happens Next
Police have recovered firearms at the scene and arrested several for questioning as they investigate the shooting.
Bailey said he would work with Marion County Prosecutor’s Office to see if parents could be held accountable for their children’s actions.
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