Black Friday shooting at Westfield Valley Fair mall may have been gang-related, police say

Black Friday Shooting at Westfield Valley Fair Mall May Have Been Gang-Related, Police Say

Incident Overview

Police reported that three people were injured during a Black Friday shooting at the Westfield Valley Fair shopping mall, located on the border between San José and Santa Clara. The incident caused panic among shoppers just before 7 p.m. as the mall was crowded with holiday customers.

Details of the Shooting

Authorities said the gunfire appeared to stem from a confrontation between two groups, which may have been gang-related. One victim was in critical condition, while the other two sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The mall was placed on lockdown for several hours as officers searched for suspects and ensured no additional threats remained.

Police Investigation

San José Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Jorge Garibay stated that detectives were reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to identify those involved. Officials believe the shooting was not random but part of an ongoing dispute between rival groups.

Community and Public Safety Response

The police department urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Santa Clara and San José officials said they were cooperating fully on the case and would increase patrols in the area over the holiday weekend to reassure the public.

“This was a targeted act of violence, not a random attack on shoppers,” said Sgt. Garibay.
“We want people to feel safe returning to the mall, especially during the holiday season.”

Aftermath

Mall management reopened most stores by Saturday morning, with additional security on-site. Several shoppers shared online that they fled the scene or sheltered inside stores when shots were fired. No arrests had been made as of Saturday afternoon.

Author’s summary:
Three people were injured in a targeted Black Friday shooting at the Westfield Valley Fair mall near San José, which police suspect was linked to a gang dispute.

Los Angeles Times — 2025-11-29