Tulsa Police, Mayor Nichols address public safety concerns after deadly weekend shooting downtown

Several people were hurt after a fight on a busy downtown street turned into a shooting.

Investigators with Tulsa Police said several people started shooting, and that officers eventually shot two men with guns, killing one of them.

Previous Story: 1 dead, multiple injured after shooting in downtown Tulsa

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols and the Tulsa Police Department held a news conference to address the incident and the public safety response. (See Above)

Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen expressed his sympathies to the families impacted by the fight and ensuing shooting.

"The ages of those affected range from 18 years old to their late 20s, and it's heartbreaking to see young lives impacted by violence.

He then commended the officers for their response.

"The swiftness with which our officers reacted, identified, and apprehended the individuals responsible for the shooting speaks to their dedication and readiness,” Larsen said. “They quickly halted the threat to others, demonstrating the crucial role law enforcement plays in protecting our community.”

Larsen said the violence stemmed from an ongoing dispute connected to a 2022 homicide and said that he was worried that the suspects were willing to open fire despite a heavy police presence.

“I’m deeply concerned that we have young individuals who are willing to engage in a gunfight in the presence of a large number of innocent people, with police officers literally standing feet away,” Larsen said.

He said that the investigation is still active.

Mayor Nichols reassured that this appears to be an isolated incident.

"I also want to let everybody know that from everything that I've learned to this point, the shooting Saturday night was the result of a disagreement between two groups and individuals. We believe it to be isolated and does not pose a broader threat to downtown for any event, upcoming or any time, other in downtown," said Nichols.

Mayor Nichols assured that the city and law enforcement are prepared to provide safety to the public during future downtown events and said that his administration wants to address the systemic issues that lead to these sorts of incidents.

"We remain committed not just to solving the very direct public safety issues like we saw on Saturday night, but very much committed to addressing the systemic issues that cause nights like that to happen in the first place," he said.

Here's what we know so far:

Weekend Fun Turned Deadly

Police say there were hundreds of people outside on Sunday morning on the sidewalks and in the streets of downtown Tulsa near East Second Street and South Elgin Avenue. Around midnight, police say a fight broke out that ended with gunshots.

Several Victims

Police responded within minutes. Officers say they saw one man shooting into the crowd. They chased him and shot him. At the same time, police say another man with a gun was behind them when an officer fired shots, hitting him. Police say that the man died from his injuries.

“We already had a large police presence in the area, so the response was almost immediate,” said Lt. Andrew Weeden with the Tulsa Police Department. 

Mayor's Response

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols released a statement about the shooting, saying:

"The overnight shooting in downtown was a senseless act of violence in our community, and my thoughts are with everyone involved. Our residents deserve better, and my office has been in constant contact with the Tulsa Police Department.

"At this time, it appears this was an isolated incident involving two groups. We have the best detectives in the country who will ensure all involved are held accountable and we will be sharing more information as the investigation develops.

"I want all Tulsans to know we will ensure downtown is safe. The days that a small few threaten the safety of the great many are over."

Next Steps

Investigators say at least 5 people were shot, but there may be more victims. Some businesses were damaged, and police are working to get a better picture of exactly what happened. Police say they plan to get with area businesses or anyone who may have surveillance footage to try to piece the events together. Police say no one is in custody.

TPD says the officers involved in the shootings have been placed on administrative leave.

 If you have any information that could help police, viewers are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.