Tucson police officer stops mass shooter, nine injured

On July 19 2024, a 21‑year‑old gunman opened fire near the Empire Pizza and Pub in Tucson, Arizona, wounding nine people. Surveillance footage shows the shooter, identified as David Leroy French, drawing a handgun and firing multiple rounds before a Tucson police officer engaged him and shot him, ending the rampage within seconds. French had previously received probation for a 2024 rifle‑fire incident at a car wash and was serving that probation at the time of the shooting.

Mayor Regina Romero praised the officer’s quick action and the emergency responders, noting that the victims were stabilized and hospitalized. The mayor also blamed “easy access to guns and Arizona’s weak gun safety laws.” Pima County Attorney Laura Conover confirmed French faces nine counts of aggravated assault and noted his earlier felony conviction at age 19.