Friday, November 28th, was Black Friday, locally known as Black Five. Following a shooting incident at Westfield Valley Fair shopping center in San Jose, California, the local police reported that at least two gunshot victims were taken to a nearby hospital.
The San Jose Police Department issued a statement on X platform, saying, “Currently, the police are investigating the shooting incident that occurred at Westfield Valley Fair in the west of San Jose. Two victims have been confirmed, and they have been taken to the local hospital due to gunshot wounds.”
Authorities stated, “This shooting incident appears to be an isolated event and not the work of an active shooter.”
Officials added that the police are evacuating and clearing the area to ensure that public safety is no longer threatened.
“Please continue to avoid the area,” added the San Jose police.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan posted on X website, “The community is not currently under a continued threat.”
“This is not the news I wanted to share with everyone during this holiday weekend,” he wrote, “I pray for these victims, and I know our officers are doing their best to find the culprit and hold them accountable.”
Shoppers took to social media to share their experiences of hiding inside department stores, providing real-time updates with on-site photos and videos.
“The Valley Fair shopping center in Silicon Valley may have experienced a shooting incident, grateful for the comfortable hideout provided by @Abercrombie,” wrote user @avgpearfarmer on X. The user attached a photo of Black Friday shoppers hiding behind store shelves.
It is currently unclear whether any suspects have been arrested.