5 hurt, including 3 students in shooting near University of Iowa, campus and police say

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- At least three University of Iowa students were injured in a shooting early Sunday on a pedestrian mall near the college campus in downtown Iowa City, according to the school's president.

Police said a total of five people were hurt, one was in critical condition.

Iowa City police officials said the gunfire erupted after a "large fight" broke out on the pedestrian mall around 1:46 a.m. local time. "Multiple victims" were injured in the shooting, police said in a statement.

"Arriving officers heard gunfire. First responders on scene. Confirmed victims," police said in a statement about the shooting that occurred near the intersection of East College St. and St. Clinton Street, just east of the University of Iowa campus.

Police released a photo of four persons of interest.

In a statement to staff and faculty, University of Iowa President Barb Wilson said Sunday that at least three University of Iowa students were injured in the incident.

"While we await additional information, I am thinking about these students and their families, friends, and all the people who care about them," Wilson said. "I am holding them close in my thoughts, along with everyone in our community who is hurting or feeling shaken right now."

"Kevin's and my prayers this morning are with the victims of the shooting in Iowa City and their families," Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds posted on X Sunday morning. "This senseless act of violence has devastated the university community and our state. I have spoken with University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson and Board of Regents Chair Robert Cramer and assured them that the full resources of the state are available to assist with the investigation. The Department of Public Safety has contacted the Iowa City Police Department to offer their support."

Bystander videos verified by ABC News showed multiple people fighting on the pedestrian mall and a large crowd running for cover as gunshots were heard.

"At this time, multiple victims have been taken to area hospitals to be treated for wounds suffered in the shooting," according to the police statement. "No information on their conditions is available at this time."

Police told people to avoid the area.

There were no immediate announcements of any arrests made in connection with the shooting.