PITTSBURGH, PA (July 5, 2019) – The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police continues to investigate a double-shooting Downtown last night that occurred as crowds moved out of the Downtown area following Fourth of July celebrations.
The latest on the investigation:
Just after 11 p.m., several people became involved in a fight in Katz Plaza on the 600 block of Penn Avenue. Multiple gunshots were fired and two males were struck. Medics transported the victims to local hospitals in critical condition.
At this time, both victims remain in critical condition.
Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit and Group Violence Intervention are actively investigating this shooting. That investigation includes looking for and speaking with witnesses, and checking for any video that captured the shooting.
It is likely that numerous people witnessed the shooting as Downtown was extremely crowded at the time of the incident. We know from experience that when witnesses come forward, Police solve crimes. The Bureau encourages anyone with information on this shooting to call Police at (412) 323-7800.
Moving forward, Public Safety will work with partner law enforcement agencies and the Mayor's Office to explore any and all options to avoid similar violence at future events in the city. This includes the possibility of additional buses to move people out of Downtown following the fireworks, additional lighting and additional patrols. As always, community outreach will play a key role in any decision-making process.
Updates on the shooting investigation will be provided when available by the Public Safety PIO Office.
NOTE: Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich, Major Crimes Commander Victor Joseph and additional members of Police Command Staff will be available today for a briefing at 11:30 a.m. at Police Headquarters.
