A 9-year-old child is fighting for life after being shot late Thursday night near the intersection of Burleigh and Richards in Milwaukee, according to police. Officers were called to the area just after 11 p.m., and the child was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Detectives say the investigation remains active, no arrests have been announced, and they are leaning on the public for help. The shooting adds to a summer of violence the city has been trying to curb.
Initial details from police and local reporting
According to FOX6 Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Police Department said the shooting happened at about 11:19 p.m. Thursday, and the child was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. FOX6 reported that officers recovered evidence at the scene and were pursuing leads, but officials did not release additional details Thursday night.
Police appeal for tips
The Milwaukee Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact detectives. Per the department’s public guidance, tips can be called in to 414-935-7360, submitted anonymously to Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS, or sent through the P3 Tips app. Police have also asked that people with surveillance video or eyewitness accounts share them with investigators through the MPD press office. See the Milwaukee Police Department for press notices and contact details.
What investigators have said
FOX6 Milwaukee reported that detectives have not determined whether the shooting was targeted or random, and the probe remains ongoing. Officers were canvassing the neighborhood near Burleigh and Richards and asking residents to check security and doorbell cameras for any footage that could help establish a timeline.
Local context
Gun violence continues to be a major public-safety challenge in Milwaukee. According to a Milwaukee police year-end review reported by WTMJ, non-fatal shootings totaled 515 in 2025, down from 639 the year before, even as homicides edged up. City leaders and community groups have continued summer safety efforts aimed at keeping kids safe.
How to help
Anyone with information about Thursday’s shooting is asked to call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360, contact Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS, or submit tips through the P3 Tips app. Police urged people with video or other evidence to share it with investigators, officials said via the Milwaukee Police Department.
