Moments later, a woman associated with one of the groups retrieved a second firearm from the trunk of a nearby vehicle and opened fire, discharging multiple rounds. Four individuals were struck in the barrage, resulting in a chaotic and bloody scene as bystanders fled and emergency services were called to the area.

VICTIMS: TWO DEAD, TWO INJURED

Upon arrival, Eastpointe Police and first responders found four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Two of the victims—both adult males—were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

A third individual, a male in his early 20s, sustained a gunshot wound to the face but was reportedly alert and conscious while being transported to a local trauma center. A fourth victim, also male, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently listed in stable condition.

Police have stated that all four victims were directly involved in the altercation and not bystanders.

“We’re very lucky that bullets didn’t enter the store,” said Detective Lieutenant Alexander Holish of the Eastpointe Police Department. “Given the number of people in the shopping plaza at the time, this could have been even more catastrophic.”

ESCALATION AND THE FIREARMS INVOLVED

Detectives believe the sequence of events began with a shouting match that spiraled out of control in less than two minutes. The initial aggressor, believed to have wielded a handgun as a bludgeoning weapon, was either disarmed or dropped the weapon during the physical confrontation. That weapon, now broken, was later recovered at the scene.

The second firearm, which was used in the shooting, was retrieved from a vehicle trunk by a woman identified in security footage. She reportedly fired multiple rounds, striking all four victims in rapid succession. Witnesses described hearing a volley of gunshots followed by screams and panic as shoppers ducked for cover behind vehicles and storefronts.

A third individual—yet to be publicly identified—allegedly picked up the firearm used in the shooting and fled the scene. Authorities are working to determine whether this individual acted as a getaway driver or an accomplice and whether the firearm has since been recovered.

THE INVESTIGATION: EARLY CHALLENGES

The Eastpointe Police Department, assisted by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police, launched a multi-agency investigation within hours of the shooting. Dozens of officers canvassed the area, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed security camera footage from surrounding businesses.

Despite the rapid response, no arrests had been made as of Sunday morning. Police say they have identified several persons of interest but are urging members of the public to come forward with any information or video footage they may have taken at the scene.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to the Eastpointe Police tip line or through Crime Stoppers of Michigan.

“We understand that people may be afraid to come forward,” said Lt. Holish, “but we want to stress that community involvement is critical in bringing justice to the victims and their families.”

A COMMUNITY SHAKEN

The Eastpointe community, already struggling with the ripple effects of economic downturns and an increase in violent crime over recent years, was left reeling in the wake of the shooting. The shopping plaza where the shooting occurred is a common gathering place for residents from Eastpointe, Harper Woods, and the northern neighborhoods of Detroit.

Several businesses—including a Dollar Tree, Boost Mobile, and Little Caesars—closed early Saturday in response to the incident. The Foot Locker store where the shooting took place remained closed through Sunday while police completed their forensic investigation.

“I bring my kids here all the time to get their shoes,” said Tasha Wilkins, an Eastpointe resident who arrived at the plaza moments after the shooting. “To know that this happened in broad daylight, where anyone could’ve been caught in the crossfire—it’s terrifying.”

THE GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC: A LOCAL AND NATIONAL ISSUE

Saturday’s tragedy is part of a broader trend of public gun violence in the United States, particularly in commercial and retail spaces. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, over 150 mass shootings have taken place in the U.S. in the first four months of 2025 alone, with Michigan experiencing an uptick in incidents involving multiple victims.

Retail zones like shopping centers and strip malls are increasingly becoming hotspots for violent confrontations, in part due to their accessibility and lack of security measures such as metal detectors or patrol presence.

Eastpointe Police Chief Jeremy Olmstead issued a statement Sunday morning calling for greater community collaboration to stem the tide of violence.

“We need to work not just reactively but proactively,” Olmstead said. “This means youth engagement, better conflict resolution education, and yes—stricter controls on firearm accessibility.”

POLITICAL AND LEGAL RESPONSES

In the wake of the shooting, local lawmakers renewed calls for expanded background checks and mandatory safe storage laws in Michigan. State Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) issued a statement urging state Republicans to reconsider their opposition to several gun safety bills currently stalled in committee.

“We should not live in a society where going to Foot Locker on a Saturday afternoon carries the risk of being caught in gunfire,” McMorrow said.

Gun rights advocates, however, cautioned against politicizing the event too early, noting that details about how the firearms were obtained and whether the shooters were legally allowed to possess them remain unknown.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

The coming days will be critical for investigators seeking to identify and apprehend those responsible. Forensic teams are analyzing shell casings, ballistic evidence, and cell phone footage. Autopsies on the two deceased victims are scheduled for Monday, May 5, and may provide additional clues about the distance, direction, and nature of the gunfire.

Meanwhile, community organizations are organizing a candlelight vigil for the victims and calling on Eastpointe city leaders to hold a town hall addressing concerns about public safety, policing, and youth engagement.

“This isn’t just about one shooting,” said Rev. Darnell Coleman of New Light Baptist Church. “It’s about a pattern. A pattern of lives lost, families broken, and communities living in fear. That has to change.”

A NOTE ON VICTIM IDENTIFICATION

As of this article’s publication, authorities have not released the names of the deceased or injured individuals pending notification of family. Once their identities are made public, this story will be updated to reflect that information, and the victims’ names will be placed at the forefront of our coverage, as they deserve to be.

HOW TO HELP

Community members wishing to support the victims’ families are encouraged to follow verified channels for donation, once funds are established. Local nonprofit groups, including Eastpointe Cares and Detroit Peace Project, have offered to coordinate financial and emotional support services for those affected.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Eastpointe Police Department at (586) 445-5100 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates as new information becomes available.