Video shows moment shots fired in downtown Pittsburgh, no injuries reported

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police are still investigating after shots were fired downtown early Sunday morning.

Surveillance video shows the chaotic moments gunshots were fired at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Smithfield Street around 1 a.m.

Video shows three people round the corner of Smithfield as a car speeds down 6th Avenue. Two people jump in between cars, ducking for cover. Moments later, cars reverse down Smithfield Street, trying to get out of the area as police nearby rush to the scene.

Police found a traffic control box pierced by a bullet, a police cruiser was also hit by the gunfire and a window to the Terrace restaurant at the Omni William Penn Hotel was shattered. Fortunately, nobody was inside at the time. The Omni said they’re saddened this happened, but nobody was hurt. They added the safety of their guests and staff is their top priority.

“I know people want to deny it, but it’s a tough reality that people are just not accepting,” Tyler Shoemaker told Channel 11. He says the violence is one of the reasons why he’s considering not renewing his lease downtown.

People who live and work downtown say something needs to change before more people and businesses feel forced out of the city.

“I feel like it’s pretty wrong of the local government to just act like it’s not a problem,” Shoemaker added. “It also makes me kind of sad for people visiting Pittsburgh. There are really nice hotels and attractions in downtown, but with the emptiness of it, and the rising crime...”

“Hopefully our Mayor can take more action in making this a better place for people to want to come and be and spend their money, Camilla Botto shared. “Those things can enhance our city and it’s sad those things aren’t being respected as much as they should be.”

Nobody is in custody and police are continuing their investigation.

Fortunately, nobody was hurt.

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