Eight Shot, Two Critically Injured in South Dallas Mass Shooting Near Lenway Street: Police Investigate as Community Demands Answers
DALLAS, TEXAS — June 5, 2025
A mass shooting in South Dallas late Thursday evening has left eight people wounded, including two in critical condition, after gunfire erupted near a local convenience store in one of the city’s historically underserved neighborhoods. The Dallas Police Department confirmed that the incident took place around 8:00 p.m. in the 2700 block of Lenway Street, near the intersection with Malcolm X Boulevard.
The site of the violence—a small, brightly colored corner store colloquially known by residents as the “yellow store”—has long served as a familiar community gathering spot. But on this night, it became the scene of chaos, panic, and trauma as dozens of rounds were fired into a crowd of people standing outside.
As of Friday afternoon, the identities of the victims have not been released, and no arrests have been made. Police say the investigation is ongoing and are urging witnesses to come forward. The attack marks one of the most serious mass shootings in the city so far this year and has left the community reeling with grief, fear, and frustration.
A Sudden Outburst of Violence
Witnesses to the shooting described a scene of confusion and terror. Just minutes before shots rang out, the corner store and sidewalk had been active with foot traffic—people chatting, buying snacks, and gathering under the warm evening air. According to multiple accounts, a vehicle approached the area and opened fire without warning. Others suggested that individuals on foot may have been involved.
“It was like a war zone all of a sudden,” said one bystander, who declined to provide his name out of concern for his safety. “People were running in every direction. I hit the ground and stayed there until I couldn’t hear shots anymore.”
Several of the victims were hit while standing outside the store. Others were caught in the crossfire while attempting to flee. A total of eight people were injured. Emergency responders transported the most critically wounded to local trauma centers, while others were treated at the scene and later taken to area hospitals.
Emergency Response and Police Action
Dallas Police and Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel arrived within minutes of the first 911 calls. Officers found multiple gunshot victims and a crowd of onlookers, many in shock, others frantically trying to help. Crime scene investigators cordoned off the area with yellow tape as paramedics worked to stabilize the injured.
Lieutenant Shane Carter, speaking on behalf of the Dallas Police Department, said the scene was “extremely volatile” upon arrival.
“We had people screaming, trying to administer first aid, others recording video—total chaos,” Carter said. “Our officers acted quickly to secure the scene, provide support to EMS, and begin canvassing for witnesses and video evidence.”
Multiple shell casings were recovered at the scene, suggesting the use of semi-automatic weapons. Detectives believe that the shooting may have been targeted, though they have not publicly identified any suspects or motives. Investigators are reviewing security footage from the store and surrounding properties and said they are following up on leads provided by witnesses.
Victims’ Conditions and Ongoing Medical Care
As of Friday, two victims remain in critical condition, having undergone emergency surgeries overnight. The remaining six are in stable condition and expected to recover. All eight victims are believed to be adults, though police have not confirmed exact ages or other identifying details.
Several local hospitals, including Parkland Memorial Hospital, received patients from the shooting. Medical personnel, already under strain from seasonal injuries and regular emergency care, described the night as “hectic and emotional.”
“There’s a kind of collective weight we carry with each shooting victim that comes through these doors,” said one emergency room nurse. “It doesn’t get easier. Especially when you see the community impact it leaves behind.”
Neighborhood in Shock
The shooting has rattled residents of South Dallas, many of whom say the violence is both shocking and sadly familiar. For years, the area surrounding Malcolm X Boulevard has struggled with systemic neglect, poverty, and under-resourced public safety efforts.
“This is the kind of violence we’ve been begging the city to help us stop,” said community activist Angela Foster, who lives just blocks from the shooting scene. “Every time we lose another person, we lose a piece of our neighborhood’s spirit.”
Residents returned to the scene Friday morning to take stock of the damage—bullet holes in storefront walls, shattered glass, and pools of dried blood. A small makeshift memorial has begun to form, with candles, flowers, and hand-written notes for those injured.
“We come here every day,” said 17-year-old Elijah Matthews. “This store is part of our lives. Now it feels like a graveyard.”
Leaders and Officials Respond
City officials, faith leaders, and local nonprofits have voiced concern and sorrow over the shooting, while calling for immediate steps to address the root causes of such violence.
“This is more than just a crime scene,” said Councilmember Terrence Lane, who represents South Dallas. “This is a symptom of deeper issues—disinvestment, lack of opportunity, trauma. And it will keep happening until we change that.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson also issued a statement condemning the violence and pledging full support for the investigation. “We will not tolerate this kind of brutality in our neighborhoods,” he said. “The city stands with the victims and their families.”
Faith-based leaders from nearby churches have organized a prayer vigil for the weekend and are working to coordinate grief counseling for those affected.
Longstanding Concerns About Gun Violence
Thursday’s shooting comes amid a rise in gun-related incidents throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and echoes broader national trends of increased community gun violence. While citywide crime statistics show a slight decline in homicides, non-fatal shootings and mass casualty incidents remain a serious concern.
Dallas police data show that mass shootings—defined as events in which four or more people are shot—have more than doubled over the past three years. Advocates point to easy access to firearms, gang-related disputes, and a lack of youth outreach programs as contributing factors.
“What happened on Lenway Street isn’t random,” said public safety advocate Sean Ruiz. “It’s the result of layers of neglect. Until we offer kids something besides fear and survival, this will continue.”
What Comes Next
The Dallas Police Department has asked anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, promising that tips can remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers has offered a potential reward for information leading to the arrest of any suspects.
Meanwhile, residents of South Dallas are left to process another senseless act of violence in their community. Many are calling for not just justice in the form of arrests, but for systemic changes to end the cycle of violence.
“We don’t want more police tape—we want peace,” said 26-year-old resident Cherise Allen, who walked her younger brother past the scene Friday morning. “We want to be able to stand outside, shop at our stores, live our lives—without being afraid someone’s going to start shooting.”
As investigations continue, one truth remains: eight more lives were upended in a matter of minutes, and for South Dallas, the echoes of gunfire will linger far longer than the headlines.
