Peoria, IL – An early morning shooting in downtown Peoria on Sunday, September 28, 2025, left first responders struggling to provide aid after a crowd allegedly attacked officers and obstructed medical crews, according to city officials.
According to Mayor Ali, police rushed to assist the victim shortly after the shooting, but were met with “aggression and interference” from individuals at the scene. The mayor said the crowd’s actions delayed paramedics for about six minutes while the victim lay on the ground.
The Peoria Emergency Communications Center confirmed that paramedics with the Fire Department arrived at 4:45 a.m., less than two minutes after being dispatched, but were initially unable to reach the patient due to the obstruction. Six arrests were made, officials said.
Mayor Ali strongly condemned the interference, stating that it endangered lives and violated public trust in emergency services. “No one in our community should ever have to wait for assistance because people are obstructing first responders,” he said.
In response, Ali directed the Police and Legal Departments to prepare an ordinance banning gatherings that enable unsafe late-night behavior, such as carrying weapons, drug use, or illegal activities. The City Council is expected to review the proposal at its meeting on October 14, 2025.
Officials urged residents and visitors to allow law enforcement and emergency workers to operate safely. “Public safety is not negotiable,” Ali said.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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