ELKHART, INDIANA — Mass Shooting on West Garfield Avenue Leaves One Dead, Eleven Injured in Early Morning Gun Violence
ELKHART, Ind. — A quiet residential neighborhood in Elkhart was transformed into a chaotic and tragic scene early Sunday morning after a mass shooting left one person dead and eleven others wounded. The Elkhart Police Department has confirmed that a total of 12 individuals sustained gunshot injuries, all of whom were transported to local hospitals for emergency treatment.
Authorities were first alerted to the violence shortly after 1:10 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, when multiple 911 calls reported gunfire erupting in the 300 block of West Garfield Avenue. Officers arrived swiftly and encountered a scene of disorder and devastation, with victims lying in yards, sidewalks, and near parked vehicles along a stretch spanning from the 200 to 400 block of West Garfield.
Emergency medical services were dispatched immediately, and all 12 victims were rushed to area hospitals. Despite lifesaving efforts, one of the victims succumbed to their injuries. Officials have not yet released the name of the deceased, pending notification of family. The conditions of the surviving victims have not been publicly disclosed, though several are believed to have sustained serious injuries.
As of Sunday afternoon, police continue to work tirelessly at the scene, meticulously combing through the neighborhood for shell casings, ballistic evidence, surveillance footage, and eyewitness statements. The entire area remains cordoned off, with officers maintaining a heavy presence to secure the perimeter and assist investigators.
In a public statement, the Elkhart Police Department described the incident as “a major act of violence that has left a deep scar on the community” and emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages.
“We are pursuing all possible leads,” said an Elkhart PD spokesperson. “We ask anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, heard anything unusual, or who may have video surveillance in the area to please come forward.”
So far, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made. Police are exploring multiple possibilities, including whether the shooting was the result of a dispute, a targeted attack, or a random act of violence. Rumors that the incident occurred during or after a large gathering or party are being investigated, but remain unconfirmed.
Residents in the neighborhood described waking up to the sound of rapid gunfire, followed by screaming and people running through the streets. Several witnesses noted that the sound of gunshots lasted for more than 30 seconds, suggesting the possibility of multiple shooters or a high-capacity weapon.
Local leaders and officials have expressed heartbreak over the tragedy and urged calm while law enforcement carries out its investigation. Mayor Rod Roberson issued a statement Sunday afternoon:
“The violence that erupted last night on West Garfield Avenue is horrifying and unacceptable. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Elkhart community as we confront the aftermath of this traumatic event. We are committed to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice and that our neighborhoods remain places of safety and unity.”
The mass shooting has renewed concerns about rising gun violence across small and mid-sized cities in America. Once considered isolated to major metropolitan areas, large-scale shootings are increasingly affecting communities like Elkhart, forcing leaders to grapple with how to respond.
Community organizations and churches in the area have already begun organizing vigils and support services for those impacted. Mental health professionals and crisis counselors are being made available to help residents cope with the trauma, especially as many of the victims are believed to be young adults.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Elkhart Police Department at (574) 295-7070 or submit anonymous tips through Michiana Crime Stoppers.
As the investigation continues, the Elkhart community mourns a life lost, prays for the recovery of the wounded, and braces for answers in the wake of one of the city’s most devastating mass shootings in recent memory.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.