Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Campus Safety

Dear students, faculty, and staff, 

I’m writing to provide an update on the Iowa City Police Department’s investigation into the April 19 shooting downtown, as well as how we'll be partnering with ICPD to support community safety moving forward.

Increased safety resources downtown

The University of Iowa Police Department has a longstanding, collaborative relationship with ICPD. That support extends downtown, where people will soon notice an increased presence from both of our agencies. Starting this weekend, the UI Police Department will provide four additional police officers to conduct joint patrols with ICPD on Friday and Saturday nights during peak hours.  

Safety downtown is a shared responsibility, and we are working closely with ICPD and our partners throughout the county to strengthen our collective prevention and response efforts.

Investigation update

ICPD continues to investigate with the full support of the UI Police Department and numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.  

As a result of the investigation, ICPD has identified the shooter as Damarian M. Jones, 17, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mr. Jones faces a series of charges, including five counts of attempted murder. Anyone with information about Mr. Jones' whereabouts is encouraged to submit a tip via Crime Stoppers.  

Additional arrests and charges are expected. A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Continue to submit tips and video

Investigators have received more than 150 tips and served nearly three dozen search warrants related to this case. Thank you to our students and members of the community who have provided tips and submitted video. Iowa City Police ask that you to continue to submit cell phone recordings to assist with the ongoing investigation. 

Update on the victims

Iowa City Police shared that two of the five victims remain hospitalized, one in critical and one in stable condition. None of the victims was the target of the shooting or affiliated with the suspects.

Full Press Release from the Iowa City Police Department

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as the investigation continues. Please continue to refer to the UI emergency website and official press releases from ICPD for updates on the progress of the investigation. 

The university will continue to share resources for students and employees affected by this incident, and we are happy to speak with any students or employees who have specific safety concerns. 

If you are in need of support, please reach out: 

 

Mark Bullock

Assistant Vice President, Campus Safety