Westfield Valley Fair shooting: Three people injured in shocking Black Friday incident as shoppers barricade in stores
Three people have been left injured after a gunman opened fire in a California shopping mall during Black Friday.
Gunfire was heard inside the busy shopping mall, located on the border of San Jose and Santa Clara, at around 5.40pm. Shoppers barricaded themselves inside stores in the mall during the shooting, with others fleeing the scene.
San Jose Police Department confirmed that an adult man, and adult woman, and a 16-year-old girl had been injured in the incident.
Sergeant Jorge Garibay said: “This was not targeted at unsuspecting shoppers. Something occurred between two individuals that prompted the shooting.”
After confirming that the incident had concluded, police said that the suspected shooter is believed to have fled the scene before officers arrive. No gun was recovered from the scene and police also confirmed that there was no active threat to the public.
One eyewitness told the Los Angeles Times that there was a “stampede” as the busy crowds, who were at the mall on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, ran to hide from the gunfire. Shawn Kulasingham told the newspaper that he, his sister, and his father barricaded themselves in an Abercrombie & Fitch shop alongside other customers.
He added: “The fear was palpable. This is a really difficult thing to happen during the holiday season.”
San Jose mayor Matt Mahan said in an update on X (formerly Twitter): “San Jose — this is not the news I wanted to share with you this holiday weekend. My prayers are with these victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable.
“Currently, there is no ongoing threat to the community but please avoid the area. We’ll keep you posted as we have more info.”