Four Killed, 15 Injured at California Mass Shooting

Nawal Sayed

At least four people were killed at a California food festival on Monday including a gunman who opened fire at the participants, according to local media reports.

The gunman killed three people before being shot dead by police on the last day of the Gilroy garlic festival. At least 15 people were injured.

Police reached the scene within a minute of the first shots ringing out and officers shot and killed the gunman moments later, according to Scot Smithee, who heads the Gilroy Police Department.

"We have no idea of a motive," Smithee told Reuters. Dozens of officers were searching for another possible suspect.

https://twitter.com/GilroyPD/status/1155664763436724224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1155664763436724224&ref_url=about%3Asrcdoc

The Gilroy Police Department on its Twitter account issued a statement saying: "The hearts of Gilroy PD and entire community go out to the victims of today's shooting at the Garlic Festival. The scene is still active. If you are looking for a loved one, please go to the reunification center at Gavilan College at parking lot B."

US President Donald Trump tweeted about the California shooting and said: "Law Enforcement is at the scene of shootings in Gilroy, California. Reports are that shooter has not yet been apprehended. Be careful and safe!”

Trump's Tweet

The gunman cut through a fence to get into the festival, possibly with the help of another person, Mr. Smithee said. Soon after entering, the gunman opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle, according to law-enforcement officials.

The shooting took place near the end of the Gilroy garlic festival, an annual three-day event south of San Jose celebrating the town’s garlic industry.

Founded in 1979, the festival revolves around the celebrated crop of the region, featuring garlic-inspired foods, drink, live entertainment and cooking competitions. It is hosted by volunteers and describes itself as the world’s greatest summer food festival.

Gilroy is a farming community and a major producer of garlic.

People run as an active shooter was reported at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, south of San Jose, California, U.S., July 28, 2019 in this still image taken from a social media video. Courtesy of Twitter @wavyia/Social Media via REUTERS. ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT @wavyia. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.