Two teenage boys lost their lives, and five others were injured in a mass shooting early on Saturday morning, July 5, 2025, in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The incident took place near Washington and Meridian Streets, as reported by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Officers responded to a disturbance call at approximately 1:27 a.m. near Washington and Meridian Streets. They were then alerted to another disturbance at South Illinois and West Washington Streets. Upon approaching the second location, officers heard gunshots and discovered several individuals with gunshot injuries.
A 16-year-old, identified as Xavion Jackson, was declared dead at the scene. Five victims were taken to hospitals in the area, and a seventh victim arrived at a hospital independently. Among those hospitalized, a 15-year-old named Azareaon S. Cole died, as confirmed by the Marion County Coroner’s Office.
The injured included individuals aged 16, 17, two 19-year-olds, and a 21-year-old, with all victims ranging from 15 to 21 years old. Police and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services medics on the scene began providing medical assistance immediately.
Authorities retrieved several firearms from the scene and detained seven individuals for questioning. However, their involvement remains under investigation, and no suspects have been named. The motive for the shooting has not been disclosed as of Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred after Downtown Indy’s Fourth Festival, an event featuring food trucks, music performances, and a 20-minute fireworks display. Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey expressed frustration at the news conference, stating, “Too many lives are being lost.”
Bailey noted the presence of unsupervised juveniles in the area and urged parents to be more vigilant. He mentioned that officers were actively working to prevent violence throughout the night, making about 20 arrests, including the confiscation of firearms from two juveniles before the shooting. One of the weapons seized was an assault rifle.
The police chief observed parents dropping off groups of juveniles downtown and noted that some minors used rideshare services and public transportation to arrive. He expressed concern that law enforcement alone cannot address the broader issue of youth violence, despite having a significant police presence in the area.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett condemned the violence and offered condolences to the victims’ families. He stated the violence was preventable and pledged to provide police with resources to combat youth violence.
Following the shooting, city officials announced new measures, including stricter enforcement of youth curfew laws, the installation of more surveillance cameras downtown, and increased police resources with assistance from Indiana State Police troopers. There will also be restrictions on food trucks operating after bars and clubs close to reduce late-night gatherings.
Bailey mentioned plans to collaborate with the prosecutor’s office to hold parents accountable for their children’s actions. The police chief expressed confidence in identifying the responsible parties, as the shooting was captured on surveillance cameras.
Community leaders called for increased investment in youth programs and accountability measures. Pastor Malachi Walker, director of Young Men Inc., emphasized that addressing youth violence requires a collaborative approach involving parents, community organizations, churches, and officials. His organization focuses on mentoring young men from single-parent households.
The Indianapolis City-County Council majority leader voiced support for allocating resources to address violence, including funding for downtown police overtime, maintaining Emergency Response Group squads on weekends, and directing funds to organizations that collaborate with police for conflict resolution.
On Monday, July 7, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced charges against four teenagers in connection with the mass shooting. A 13-year-old faces charges for stealing a firearm, possessing marijuana, and illegal firearm possession. Charges against a 15-year-old include dangerous possession of a firearm, marijuana possession, and resisting law enforcement. A 16-year-old also faces firearm possession charges.
Seventeen-year-old Vincent Lanking is charged as an adult for dangerous possession of a firearm, resisting law enforcement, and obstruction of justice after allegedly attempting to evade police near Monument Circle.
Mears indicated that these are the initial cases, with more charges expected in the coming days.
The investigation into the mass shooting is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
