• Two teenage boys were killed and five others injured in a mass shooting in Indianapolis.
• The shooting occurred shortly after July 4 celebrations, around 1:27 a.m.
• No suspects identified and motive remains unknown as police investigation unfolds.

In a tragic incident early Saturday morning, two teenage boys were fatally shot in downtown Indianapolis, while five others sustained injuries. The police responded to reports of gunfire around 1:27 a.m. near Washington and Meridian Streets, where they discovered a 16-year-old boy dead at the scene. Another victim, a 15-year-old boy, succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital. The victims include a mix of juveniles and young adults, as five others were hospitalized, identified only by age, with the surviving victims ranging from 16 to 21 years old, according to ABC News, Newsweek, and India Times.

The incident unfolded amidst July 4 celebrations, raising concerns over safety during public gatherings. Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey expressed his anger over the persistent violence, stating, "Too many lives are being lost." Bailey stressed the necessity for parental accountability, criticizing the lack of supervision over youth in the city center, where unsupervised minors reportedly contributed to the disturbance, as highlighted by ABC News and Newsweek.

As the investigation continues, no suspects have been identified, and the police have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. Residents and officials are urging for a concerted effort to address the issue of youth violence in the city. Mayor Joe Hogsett expressed condolences, adding, "All of this is avoidable and preventable," reflecting a growing concern for community safety, according to ABC News, Newsweek, and India Times.