Two teenage boys lost their lives, and five others were injured in a mass shooting early on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, near Washington and Meridian Street, as reported by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Police were responding to a disturbance call at around 1:27 a.m. in the vicinity of Washington and Meridian Street when they received a report of another disturbance at South Illinois and West Washington Streets. Upon attending the second location, officers heard gunfire and found multiple individuals with gunshot wounds.
A 16-year-old boy, identified as Xavion Jackson, was declared dead at the scene. Five more victims were taken to local hospitals, and a seventh victim arrived at a hospital independently. Among the hospitalized, a 15-year-old boy named Azareaon S. Cole was pronounced dead, according to the Marion County Coroner’s Office.
The injured included a 16-year-old, a 17-year-old, two 19-year-olds, and a 21-year-old, all aged between 15 and 21 years. Officers and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services medics provided immediate medical assistance.
Authorities recovered several firearms from the scene and detained seven individuals for questioning, though their involvement remains uncertain. No suspects have been identified, and investigators have not disclosed any motive as of Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred following the Downtown Indy’s Fourth Festival, which attracted thousands with food trucks, music, and a fireworks show. Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey expressed his concern about the violence, saying, “Too many lives are being lost” during a news briefing.
Bailey noted the presence of hundreds of unsupervised juveniles downtown and urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children. Officers were active throughout the night, aiming to prevent violence, with approximately 20 arrests and recovery of firearms from juveniles, including an assault rifle, prior to the shooting.
The police chief observed parents dropping off groups of children downtown, as well as juveniles arriving via rideshare and public transit. He highlighted the challenge, despite a significant law enforcement presence, of addressing the root causes of youth violence.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett condemned the violence, offering condolences to the families. He described the incident as preventable and committed to supporting law enforcement in tackling youth violence.
Following the shooting, city officials announced measures including stricter enforcement of youth curfews, adding surveillance cameras downtown, and increased police presence with help from Indiana State Police. Restrictions on late-night food trucks are also planned.
Bailey stated he would collaborate with the prosecutor’s office on holding parents accountable for their children’s actions, emphasizing the incident occurred under surveillance cameras and expressing confidence in identifying those responsible.
Community leaders called for increased accountability and youth program investment. Pastor Malachi Walker, director of Young Men Inc., stressed a comprehensive approach involving parents, community groups, churches, and city officials. His organization offers mentorship to young men from single-parent homes.
The Indianapolis City-County Council majority leader supported resource allocation to combat violence, including funding for police overtime downtown, maintaining Emergency Response Group squads, and directing funds to social action groups working with police.
On Monday, July 7, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced charges against four teenagers related to the shooting. A 13-year-old faces charges of firearm theft, marijuana possession, and unlawful firearm possession. A 15-year-old is charged with dangerous possession of a firearm, marijuana possession, and resisting law enforcement. A 16-year-old is also charged with dangerous firearm possession.
Seventeen-year-old Vincent Lanking faces adult charges for dangerous firearm possession, resisting law enforcement, and obstruction of justice after allegedly evading police near Monument Circle.
Mears indicated these are the initial cases, with further charges expected shortly.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
