The Flagstaff City Council kept its meeting rolling Wednesday night, even as City Hall went into a brief lockdown, after police responded to reports of gunfire across the street at the downtown library. Councilmembers and residents inside the chambers were told to stay put while officers swept the area, and the meeting continued while a suspect was detained nearby. No injuries were reported, but the half-hour disruption quickly turned a routine night at City Hall into something closer to an unexpected lock-in.
Officers responded to reports of shots fired near the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library at about 7:25 p.m., according to KTAR. The outlet reported that the library plaza and a nearby park were included in the police response and that both the downtown library and City Hall were placed under lockdown for roughly 30 minutes.
Police Detain Suspect, Recover Weapon
Flagstaff Police say they detained 28-year-old Lymann Yazzie of Cameron without incident and later booked him into the Coconino County Jail on multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct with a weapon and discharging a weapon within city limits. Officers reported finding a firearm nearby and collecting video evidence as part of the case, and no injuries were reported at the scene.
Councilroom Reaction
On the city council livestream, a staff member broke into the proceedings with a calm but pointed announcement: “mayor, council, we are currently on lockdown in the facility, if you could stay in the building, we’ve had an incident across the street in the park and PD is currently investigating it,” according to KTAR. Councilmember Austin Aslan responded with a bit of gallows humor, quipping, “you guys enjoy your slumber party there.” Another voice from the dais tried to keep things light, adding, “i do have some food in my cooler if anyone’s super hungry,” as staff moved to secure the chambers.
Where It Happened
The downtown Flagstaff library is located at 300 West Aspen Ave., directly across from City Hall and next to Wheeler Park, placing the council chambers within easy earshot of activity in the plaza, per the Flagstaff Public Library. That tight cluster of civic buildings helps explain why city staff quickly ordered the short lockdown while officers worked to clear the area; the block is a regular hangout for pedestrians and events.
Investigation Ongoing
Police said Yazzie may be connected to a separate firearms incident earlier in the evening near Thorpe Park, and detectives are reviewing video evidence and witness statements as they sort out the full sequence of events. Investigators urged anyone with footage or information to contact Flagstaff Police while they continue to build a timeline.
Legal Consequences
Yazzie was booked into the Coconino County Jail on the listed charges, and prosecutors in Coconino County will review the case to determine formal filings. Once officers finished their sweep and reopened the building to the public, the city council went back to its regular agenda, picking up where it left off before the lockdown.
