Story perspectives

Five Women Wounded in Bloomington Shooting After Fight

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Two men opened fire after a fight between two women, wounding five women ages 17 to 22 on East Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington on April 26.
One victim remains hospitalized stable.
Local police agencies responded with helicopters and drones while investigators have not recovered a firearm and request public video.
Mayor Kerry Thomson and Police Chief Michael Diekhoff condemned the shooting, pledged a policy review, and noted state open-carry laws limit restrictions.

History

Historical Context

The April 20, 1999 Columbine massacre at Columbine High School, where seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 13 students and a teacher, sparked a national gun-control debate, prompted the Immediate Action Rapid Deployment police tactic, and inspired over 70 copycat attacks; 2000 legislation championed by Senator Frank Lautenberg aimed to close the gun-show loophole, shaping today’s Bloomington response.

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Story summary

Two men opened fire after a fight between two women, wounding five women ages 17 to 22 on East Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington on April 26.
One victim remains hospitalized stable.
Local police agencies responded with helicopters and drones while investigators have not recovered a firearm and request public video.
Mayor Kerry Thomson and Police Chief Michael Diekhoff condemned the shooting, pledged a policy review, and noted state open-carry laws limit restrictions.

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