Eight Injured, Two Critically, in South Dallas Mass Shooting Near Lenway Street and Malcolm X Boulevard: Community Reels as Police Search for Suspect

DALLAS, TEXAS — June 5, 2025
A violent mass shooting in South Dallas on Thursday evening has left eight people wounded—two critically—in one of the city’s most harrowing public shooting incidents this year. According to the Dallas Police Department, the shooting took place at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the 2700 block of Lenway Street, near the bustling intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard, just outside a well-known corner store commonly referred to in the neighborhood as the “yellow store.”

Authorities have not released the names of any victims as of this writing. Police are still investigating the motives behind the attack and actively searching for at least one suspect believed to be involved in the shooting. The event has sent shockwaves through the community, raising fresh concerns about gun violence, public safety, and the ongoing toll such violence takes on the city’s neighborhoods.

Gunfire Erupts in a Populated Area

The shooting occurred just after nightfall on Thursday, in a densely populated area of South Dallas where families, pedestrians, and small business activity are typically seen along the sidewalks and storefronts. Witnesses described the sudden eruption of gunfire as chaotic and terrifying. According to initial statements from Dallas Police, multiple calls flooded 911 dispatch reporting a barrage of shots fired.

Officers arrived within minutes and encountered a chaotic scene: panicked bystanders, wounded individuals lying on the ground, and others attempting to flee. According to authorities, a total of eight individuals were found with gunshot wounds in or near the parking lot and sidewalk area outside the convenience store.

Victims and Injuries

Emergency medical teams quickly arrived on the scene and began administering aid to the victims. According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, the injuries ranged from minor to life-threatening. Two individuals were listed in critical condition upon arrival at local hospitals and underwent emergency surgery overnight. The other six are being treated for various injuries, though none of them are believed to be in immediate danger.

Police have not yet disclosed the identities or ages of the victims but stated that the group includes both male and female individuals, and it is believed that at least some of them were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.

Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Frightening Picture

Local residents who witnessed the event say the gunfire seemed to come without warning. One woman, who asked to remain anonymous for her safety, was sitting on her porch nearby when she heard the first shots.

“It sounded like fireworks at first—rapid fire, nonstop. Then people started screaming, and I saw someone fall down in the street,” she said. “It was horrifying. There were kids inside the store. People ran in every direction.”

Another witness, Marcus Daniels, who had just left the store minutes before the gunfire began, said he saw a vehicle speeding away seconds after the shots rang out.

“I turned around and heard popping noises—like 15, 20 of them,” he said. “Then a car just tore down the street. I don’t know who they were shooting at, but there were a lot of people standing around.”

Police Launch Active Investigation

The Dallas Police Department has launched a major investigation into the shooting. As of Friday morning, detectives were combing through security camera footage from surrounding buildings, interviewing witnesses, and processing the scene for forensic evidence. Authorities believe more than one firearm may have been used, though it is unclear how many shooters were involved.

Detective Sergeant Carla Hayes, a spokesperson for the department, briefed reporters at the scene late Thursday night.

“Our officers are working tirelessly to determine the sequence of events and to identify the individual or individuals responsible for this senseless act of violence,” she said. “We are calling on the community to come forward with any information, video, or eyewitness testimony. Someone out there knows something, and we need their help.”

Police have not yet released a suspect description but said they are pursuing leads and considering multiple motives, including the possibility of gang-related activity or personal disputes that may have escalated.

A Store That’s a Neighborhood Landmark Becomes a Crime Scene

The location of the shooting—outside a small, brightly painted corner store affectionately known by locals as the “yellow store”—has long been a staple of the South Dallas community. The store serves as a meeting place, convenience outlet, and social hub for the neighborhood. On most evenings, residents gather outside, chatting, eating snacks, and enjoying the warm weather.

But on Thursday night, the familiar setting was transformed into a crime scene, cordoned off with yellow police tape, marked by evidence cones, and swarmed by officers, reporters, and concerned residents.

“It’s like this city doesn’t sleep. We’re not safe even in the places that feel like home,” said longtime resident Raymond Tate, who arrived at the scene after hearing the news from his nephew. “We’ve lost too many people to gun violence already. This has got to stop.”

Community Grief and Resilience

In the hours following the shooting, community leaders, activists, and residents came together to offer support to the victims and their families. Many gathered just down the block from the scene to pray, light candles, and speak about the continuing cycle of violence in the neighborhood.

“We’re tired of this,” said Pastor Alicia Johnson of the Southside Faith Missionary Church. “We’re tired of seeing our babies and our brothers and sisters gunned down in our streets. South Dallas deserves peace, and we are going to keep pushing for it.”

Multiple local nonprofits and violence prevention groups, including Stop the Violence Dallas and Mothers Against Gun Violence, have stepped in to assist with crisis counseling and family support services. City Council representatives have also promised to bring additional resources to the area, including lighting, surveillance upgrades, and increased police patrols.

Gun Violence in Dallas: A Growing Concern

Thursday night’s mass shooting adds to a troubling trend of gun violence in Dallas and across many U.S. cities in recent years. According to the Dallas Police Department’s most recent crime statistics, the city has seen a moderate rise in shootings involving multiple victims, particularly in high-density, underserved communities.

While overall violent crime has seen some declines, firearm-related assaults remain a persistent and deadly issue. The city has invested in several intervention programs targeting at-risk youth and conflict mediation, but community leaders argue that systemic inequality, lack of economic opportunity, and insufficient mental health resources continue to fuel the violence.

“We can’t just react after the fact,” said Councilwoman Jada Harmon, who represents the South Dallas area. “We need to be proactive. That means real investments in jobs, schools, housing, and community policing—not just arrests and investigations.”

Calls for Justice and Accountability

As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting on law enforcement and city officials to swiftly apprehend those responsible and ensure justice for the victims. Residents have expressed both grief and frustration, with some criticizing what they perceive as a lack of urgency in addressing gun violence in predominantly Black and working-class neighborhoods.

“Would this have happened in another part of the city and gone unnoticed? I don’t think so,” said activist Jeremy Cole, who spoke to reporters at the scene. “Our lives matter too. This shouldn’t just be another headline that disappears next week.”

Looking Forward

As the community continues to mourn and the police work to find answers, one truth remains painfully clear: eight lives have been forever altered, and a neighborhood that once found comfort in a simple convenience store now carries the burden of trauma and fear.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Dallas Police Department or Crime Stoppers. A reward may be offered for tips leading to an arrest.

In the aftermath, the people of South Dallas are once again left to do what they have done so often—grieve, demand justice, and find strength in each other as they seek healing amid tragedy.