By Peter AitkenShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe San Jose Police Department (SJPD) said two people were taken to the hospital on Friday after they were shot in "an isolated incident" at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, California.
Newsweek has reached out via submission form to the SJPD outside of normal business hours on Friday evening for further comment and clarification.
Why It Matters
The holiday season can see an increase in violent crime, with people lowering their guards during festivities and gathering in larger than usual numbers in public spaces. The last few years have seen significant incidents during holidays, including shootings across the country during Thanksgiving last year.
Tensions remain high through the holiday weekend after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C., on the eve of Thanksgiving. One of the Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries on Thursday evening, and the other, Andrew Wolfe, is “fighting for his life.”
What To Know
Reports first surfaced on social media of a shooting at the mall on Friday afternoon local time, with witnesses saying they heard multiple shots.
NBC Bay Area reported that two people were struck by gunfire and were taken to hospital, with police confirming on X shortly thereafter that the victims were located and were transported to a local hospital.
“This shooting appears to be an isolated incident and NOT an active shooter,” the San Jose Police Media Relations unit wrote on X. “However, officers are evacuating and clearing the mall to confirm there is no ongoing threat to public safety.”
Police also asked the public to “please continue to avoid the area” as investigators continue to work to ensure the area is safe.
Witnesses posted video and photos on social media that show the mall is generally clear as police continue to search the mall.
What Happens Next?
No information about a suspect has been released by police as their investigation into the shooting continues.
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