(RepublicanView.org) – Seven children were injured during a shooting incident in Indianapolis on the evening of March 30. Police officers heard gunshots from the Circle Center Mall just before midnight and attended the scene to find a large group of teenagers, some with gunshot wounds. All were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
During a subsequent press briefing, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Tanya Terry said young people trying to settle conflicts with guns “has to stop.”
Police reports said the shooting victims included three boys and four girls, aged between 12 and 16. Witnesses described shots ringing out inside the mall and a chaotic scene with frightened shoppers and diners taking refuge under chairs and tables.
Police Chief Christopher Bailey told reporters that the shooting was not a sudden act of rage but the culmination of a long-running feud. He said he believed the incident was planned the same day and that more than one firearm was used.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a statement, “A 12-year-old child has no business being out late at night anywhere without parental or adult supervision.” Police chief Tanya Terry agreed and asked parents to get more involved in their children’s lives. “It’s deeply concerning,” she added, according to NBC News.
According to Pew Research statistics published last year, the number of young people involved in shooting incidents is skyrocketing. The research shows that the number of gunshot victims aged under 18 rose by 50% between 2019 and 2021. The vast majority of victims and offenders are male, but girls are increasingly implicated.
In a modern twist, some experts believe social media is significantly contributing to youth violence in America and has provided a place where violence is encouraged, and grievances are exacerbated.
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