On Black Friday at San Jose's Westfield Valley Fair Mall, a shooting occurred that injured three people, prompting shoppers to take cover. Police confirmed that the injuries were non-life-threatening and that the victims included an adult man, an adult woman, and a 16-year-old girl. The incident happened in the Macy's store on the mall's second floor.
The police received reports of the shooting around 5:40 p.m., and emergency calls noted several people sheltering in place amidst the chaos. The suspected shooter fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, and no weapon was recovered. Authorities described the event as an isolated incident triggered by a confrontation between two individuals. Two of the injured, both females, appeared to be bystanders unrelated to the conflict.
Authorities declared the mall safe around 7 p.m. after a thorough search for the suspect. The incident caused significant disruption, including traffic jams from people fleeing the area. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan expressed support for the victims and gratitude towards police and first responders who managed the situation effectively.
Following the shooting, the Westfield Valley Fair Mall was closed until further notice, one of the largest retail centers in the San Francisco Bay Area with 2.2 million square feet of space. The mall planned to reopen the next day around noon.
"This was not targeted at unsuspecting shoppers," said Sgt. Jorge Garibay of the San Jose Police Department.
"Something occurred between two individuals that prompted the shooting."
"Thankful for police, first responders, and mall staff who may have been scared themselves but stepped up to guide people to safety."
The Westfield Valley Fair Mall shooting on Black Friday was an isolated incident involving a dispute between two individuals, resulting in three injured bystanders and temporary mall closure, with prompt emergency response ensuring public safety.