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LIVE UPDATES: California Gilroy festival shooting kills at least four

by Asfa

The California Gilroy festival shooting has killed at least four people so far. 11 injured were taken to the hospital.

California Gilroy festival shooting
(Image source: Twitter)

The California Gilroy Festival Shooting

Gilroy is located near San Jose in California. The Gilroy festival was founded in 1979. It is a celebration involving garlic-based foods, drinks, cooking and entertainment. Volunteers host the entire event.

On Sunday, a shooter opened fire at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. At least 4 people were killed and 11 others injured. The 4 casualties include the shooter. The Gilroy police apprehended and killed him.

Right after the shooting, the FBI Evidence Response Team, police units and other officials arrived to process the scene. The injured people were taken to the hospital.

Gilroy police statements

The police said the suspect entered the park by cutting open the fence encircling the property. He used a rifle and started shooting at random. The police do not understand his motive so far.

Gilroy police chief Scot Smithee said, “This is one of those press conferences that you never want to give in your community. It’s sort of a nightmare that you hope to never have to live in reality, but we find ourselves in the circumstances where we have to live it today.”

The leader of the band Tin Man told the Associated Press that the shooter was wearing a green shirt and gray handkerchief. Another band member Van Breen dived under the stage. He also heard someone shout, “Why are you doing this?” To this, the reply was, “Because I’m really angry.”

Gilroy police statement garlic festival shooting
(Image source: Twitter)

“A sad, just horribly upsetting circumstance”

The executive director of the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Brian Bowe, spoke at a news conference about the issue. He said, “We have the wonderful opportunity in the community to celebrate our family through our garlic festival, and for over four decades that festival has been our annual family reunion. And it is such a sad, just horribly upsetting circumstance that this happened on the third and final day of the festival.”

He continued, “To have seen this event end this way this day is just one of the most tragic and sad things I have ever had to see.”

“Nothing short of horrific”

California governor Gavin Newsom said, “This is nothing short of horrific. Tonight, CA stands with the Gilroy community. My office is monitoring the situation closely. Grateful for the law enforcement’s efforts and their continued work as this situation develops.”

Gavin Newsom statement California garlic festival shooting
(Image source: Twitter)

President Donald Trump also commented on the California Gilroy festival shooting. He wrote on Twitter, “Law Enforcement is at the scene of shootings in Gilroy, California. Reports are that shooter has not yet been apprehended. Be careful and safe!”

Donald trump shooting California garlic festival
(Image source: Twitter)

“There’s a shooting”

Witness Robert Villareal told CNN he initially thought the sound was fireworks. He added, “Then I heard a second and I turned around where the noise came from. As I saw three girls crying and yelling, ‘There’s a shooting,’ as more shots were going off, my family yelled my name out and I got to catch up with them. It all happened so fast.”

He continued, “I saw a woman limping, trying to make it to the trail. Then a guy was missing a sandal. I heard a guy saying he forgot his phone but he didn’t want to go back.”

Police are still on the hunt for the second victim. Those with leads should call (408) 846-0583.

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