TUCSON, AZ (AZFamily) — A night out in downtown Tucson ended in gunfire early Sunday morning, sending 10 people to the hospital and sparking a familiar divide over how to respond.
Democrats called for stricter gun laws, while Republicans emphasized the constitutional right to self-defense. Both sides agreed on one thing: praising the officers and first responders who rushed in to help.
The shooting happened around 2 a.m. near 6th Avenue and Congress Street, a busy area of downtown Tucson known for its bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Officials said 10 people were hospitalized, including the suspect. Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said victim advocates were sent to the hospital, where officials were hopeful the nine victims would survive.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity but said the shooting started as a confrontation between two groups that knew each other.
Local Democrats weigh in
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero condemned the shooting on social media, calling it “another serious and senseless act of gun violence.”
“For the victims, you have my prayers for healing and a speedy recovery. To the first responders, you have my gratitude,” she wrote. “To our community, join us in taking action against gun violence and helping the victims and those affected by gun violence to heal.”
Her message shared the same sentiment as that of other Democratic leaders talking about the shooting.
Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived a 2011 mass shooting in Tucson, released a statement through the gun violence prevention organization she leads.
“My heart is with the victims of this senseless shooting, as well as their families. I am praying for swift and full recoveries for everyone who was injured,” Giffords said through GIFFORDS. “I know firsthand how devastating the injuries from a shooting can be, and my thoughts are with each person who was impacted.”
Giffords also called for changes to Arizona’s gun laws, saying it was “especially alarming” to see another mass shooting in her hometown.
“Arizonans should be able to go get pizza on a Saturday night without fearing the next random act of gun violence,” she said. “Arizona continues to have laws that make it easy for dangerous people to access guns — the time to act is now.”
In another statement, Assistant House Democratic Leader Nancy Gutierrez called the shooting a “stark and tragic reminder that gun violence is a public health crisis in our country.”
Senate President Warren Petersen, speaking for the Senate Republican Caucus, emphasized the right to bear arms for self-defense.
“As this tragedy reminds us, evil exists, which is why we remain steadfast in supporting law enforcement and the constitutional rights of law-abiding Arizonans to protect themselves and others,” Petersen wrote. “We are praying for the recovery of those who were injured, for comfort for the families affected, and for justice to be served.”
“Lives were saved”
Local leaders across party lines agreed on one point: thanking Tucson police officers and first responders for rushing in and helping save lives.
Sen. Ruben Gallego said his “heart is with Tucson.”
“Thank you to the officers and first responders who ran toward the danger,” Gallego added. “Your courage saved lives.”
My heart is with Tucson today. The victims of last night’s senseless shooting were enjoying a night out in the city—they didn’t deserve experience this violence.
Thank you to the officers and first responders who ran toward the danger. Your courage saved lives.
Arizona takes…
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) July 19, 2026
Conover also thanked the first responders who rushed in to save those in need.
“I need to take a moment to stop and thank the officers of the Tucson Police Department who responded so quickly and effectively in a great time of need and for all the staff at the hospital now doing everything possible to keep our community members alive,” Conover wrote.
Senate Republicans shared a similar message through Petersen’s message.
“Our hearts are with every victim, every family, and the Tucson community as they endure this senseless act of violence,” Petersen wrote. “We are grateful for the courageous Tucson police officers and first responders who ran toward danger ”
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