Gunfire at Notre Dame tailgate leaves officer and woman injured; suspect remains at large

Key points

• Incident occurred just after 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2026, near Eddy Street and Angela Boulevard in South Bend, Ind.
• A woman and a police officer were shot; both were hospitalized and are expected to be OK, according to WNDU.
• The officer was likely hit by shrapnel or a ricochet, while a third person was injured during the initial fight but not by gunfire.
• The suspect, described as a heavyset Black male with dreadlocks, blue shorts, and a black shirt, fled westward.
• Notre Dame lifted its shelter-in-place order by 9:20 p.m., stating there is no continued threat to campus.

Background

This incident occurred during a football game against Michigan State. Earlier in September, a similar shooting was reported near Eddy Street Commons, prompting a police search for a suspect with a similar description. In August, separate officer-involved shootings occurred in Indianapolis and Columbia, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding public safety during large gatherings.

How outlets are covering it

WNDU and the South Bend Tribune confirm the injuries and the lifting of the shelter-in-place order. Fox News emphasizes the stadium lockdown and the timing relative to the football game. All sources agree on the suspect’s description and the location of the incident, though WNDU provides more detail on the officer’s injury mechanism.

Why it matters

The incident highlights security challenges at major college campuses during high-profile events. The rapid response and subsequent lifting of safety orders demonstrate the university’s ability to manage crises, but the ongoing search for the suspect raises concerns about public safety in the area.

What to watch

Police are continuing to search for the suspect and investigate the scene. The area around Eddy Street Commons remains closed as an active crime scene. Notre Dame officials have stated there is no continued threat to the broader campus, but the public is advised to avoid the immediate vicinity.