SAN JOSE, CA - A shooting that took place at Westfield Valley Fair Mall on Black Friday left three injured with gunshot wounds, authorities reported.
The shooting began outside a Macy's store at the mall around 5:40 p.m., according to KRON4. Three victims, including a man, a woman, and a 16-year-old girl, were discovered at the scene and were transported to nearby hospitals to be treated. Police said that the victims' injuries are non-life-threatening.
Police are still investigating what led to the incident. San Jose police said there was an alleged altercation between the suspect and the male victim, and the other two victims were caught in the crossfire.
Police have not released a description of the suspect, who fled the area before officers arrived on scene. "This shooting appears to be an isolated incident and NOT an active shooter," police wrote in a social media post at 6:30 p.m. "However, officers are evacuating and clearing the mall to confirm there is no ongoing threat to public safety."
People who had to barricade themselves inside made it out after about an hour of waiting. "The moment I saw people running, the three of us just started sprinting," one mall visitor named Daniel Chen said. "There were crowds and swarms of people. I was terrified. We were freaking out. Everyone was just screaming. It was complete chaos. It was crazy," he said.
"I was making sure that the three of us were together and that we weren't leaving each other behind, and we were making sure that we weren't going where the shooter was. We were making sure we were following the crowd and making sure we could find an exit and get out," Chen added.
After the shooting, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan posted a message on X. "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."
Bay Area congressman Ro Khanna also wrote on X, offering well wishes for those impacted. "Praying for the victims at Valley Fair Mall and those locked down. Grateful for all the first responders, including the San Jose police. In touch with @MattMahanSJ to see if the federal government can provide any assistance."
The shooting began outside a Macy's store at the mall around 5:40 p.m., according to KRON4. Three victims, including a man, a woman, and a 16-year-old girl, were discovered at the scene and were transported to nearby hospitals to be treated. Police said that the victims' injuries are non-life-threatening.
Police are still investigating what led to the incident. San Jose police said there was an alleged altercation between the suspect and the male victim, and the other two victims were caught in the crossfire.
Police have not released a description of the suspect, who fled the area before officers arrived on scene. "This shooting appears to be an isolated incident and NOT an active shooter," police wrote in a social media post at 6:30 p.m. "However, officers are evacuating and clearing the mall to confirm there is no ongoing threat to public safety."
People who had to barricade themselves inside made it out after about an hour of waiting. "The moment I saw people running, the three of us just started sprinting," one mall visitor named Daniel Chen said. "There were crowds and swarms of people. I was terrified. We were freaking out. Everyone was just screaming. It was complete chaos. It was crazy," he said.
"I was making sure that the three of us were together and that we weren't leaving each other behind, and we were making sure that we weren't going where the shooter was. We were making sure we were following the crowd and making sure we could find an exit and get out," Chen added.
After the shooting, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan posted a message on X. "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."
Bay Area congressman Ro Khanna also wrote on X, offering well wishes for those impacted. "Praying for the victims at Valley Fair Mall and those locked down. Grateful for all the first responders, including the San Jose police. In touch with @MattMahanSJ to see if the federal government can provide any assistance."
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