Five people were shot and injured early Sunday morning after a large fight in the busy pedestrian mall area near the University of Iowa campus escalated into gunfire.

The shooting took place around 1:46 a.m. in downtown Iowa City, a popular nightlife district filled with bars and restaurants just blocks from the university.

Iowa City Police Department officers were responding to reports of a large fight involving multiple men throwing punches when they arrived on scene and immediately heard gunshots.

Bystanders fled the area as the chaos unfolded.

Police have identified five victims in total.

Three of the injured are University of Iowa students. One victim is in critical condition, while the other four are listed in stable condition. All were transported to area hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds.

No arrests have been made as of Sunday afternoon.

The Iowa City Police Department is actively investigating and has released photos of five persons of interest connected to the incident.

University of Iowa President Barb Wilson issued a statement to the campus community Sunday morning:

“I am writing to you with a heavy heart. Early today, a shooting in downtown Iowa City injured three University of Iowa students. Iowa City Police are investigating, with the full support of University of Iowa Police. The university is in close communication with local law enforcement and will share more information as we are able. For now, I encourage you to rely on official university communications for updates. This is a difficult moment for our community. We will get through it together by caring for one another and by holding close what it means to be part of this community.”

Authorities are asking anyone who recognizes the individuals or has video footage or additional information to contact Detective Cade Burma at cburma@iowa-city.org or (319) 356-5275.

The Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is also offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The post Five Shot, Including Three University of Iowa Students, After Massive Late-Night Brawl Erupts into Gunfire in Iowa City, Police Seek Help Identifying Suspects appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.