Peoria Standard

Early Sunday morning, an incident in downtown Peoria led to concerns about public safety after a shooting victim could not receive immediate medical attention due to interference from a crowd. According to Mayor Rita Ali, police officers responding to the scene were obstructed by individuals who swarmed and attacked them while they attempted to provide aid.

"What happened early Sunday morning in downtown Peoria was not only unacceptable, but it was also an attack on public safety and the values of our community. After the shooting of one of our residents, officers rushed to save the young man’s life but were met with aggression and interference from members of a crowd. Instead of giving officers the space they needed to render medical aid and secure the scene for paramedics to provide treatment, individuals chose to swarm and attack them, resulting in delays for paramedics to assist the victim," said Mayor Ali.

She continued: "Let me be absolutely clear: this behavior will not be tolerated in our city. Interfering with police and emergency response efforts endangers lives and undermines the safety of everyone present. I have debriefed the situation with police chief Echevarria, and I’ve reviewed the complete footage from the Peoria Police Department. It clearly shows that while officers were attempting to provide lifesaving aid, their efforts were obstructed by the crowd.  As a result, six arrests have occurred.  Moving forward, I expect for our community to allow the men and women of the Peoria Police Department and other public safety workers to do their job."

Records indicate that paramedics from the Peoria Fire Department arrived at 4:45:53 a.m., less than two minutes after being dispatched. However, they could not reach or treat the gunshot victim for approximately six minutes because of obstructions caused by those at the scene.

"While the gunshot victim lay on the ground, six minutes passed before medical aid could be administered. No one in our community should ever have to wait for assistance because people are obstructing first responders," Ali stated.

The mayor also addressed issues related to gatherings involving illegal activities such as drinking alcohol, drug use, carrying weapons, and other conduct during early morning hours in public spaces. She said these behaviors would not be tolerated by law enforcement.

"Every business in Peoria has the right to operate safely, and every resident and visitor deserves to enjoy our city without fear. To those who choose to gather in the early morning hours in public spaces to drink alcohol, do drugs, carry weapons, and conduct other illegal activities, this will not be tolerated.  Peoria Police will interrupt these activities," she said.

Mayor Ali announced that she has instructed both police officials and legal staff to create an ordinance specifically prohibiting such gatherings. The proposed ordinance is expected at City Council’s next regular meeting on October 14.

"I have directed the Police Department and Legal Department to develop an ordinance that specifically prohibits   these gatherings and to present that for consideration by the City Council at its next regular meeting on October 14, 2025."

Ali concluded her statement emphasizing unity around public safety: "Public safety is not negotiable. We will not allow the reckless actions of a few to endanger the lives of us all. Let us all work together to assure civility and peaceful social interaction."