Active shooter at garlic festival in California 'injures 11 people'
At least 11 people have reportedly been injured as authorities respond to an active shooter at a food festival in California.
Emergency services rushed to the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Santa Clara County, 50km south of San Jose, on Sunday (local time) with Gilroy Police confirming an “active shooter” was present.
Ambulance crews were informed 11 people were injured at the festival, NBC Bay Area reported.
Footage from the festival shows visitors fleeing the site.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center spokeswoman Joy Alexiou said the hospital had received two victims from the shooting and was expecting three more.
A spokeswoman at Stanford Medical Center said they were expecting at least two victims from the shooting.
The severity of the injuries sustained is currently unclear.
Witness Julissa Contreras told NBC Bay Area she saw a white man in his mid 30s open fire with a rifle.
Police in full tactical gear searching creek with K9’s - helicopters overhead. Unclear how many shooters there were and if police have anybody in custody. @KTVU #GilroyGarlicFestivalShooting #Gilroy pic.twitter.com/SyHypizG1q
— Elissa Harrington (@EHarringtonTV) July 29, 2019
“It was just rapid firing... I could see him shooting in just every direction,” she said.
Ms Contreras said the man appeared prepared.
The festival is a nationally known three-day event that attracts thousands of garlic lovers. Sunday was the final day of the festival.
Attendee Evenny Reyes told the San Jose Mercury the stampede of people fleeing the scene after shots were fired was chaotic.
“It was like the movies — everyone was crying, people were screaming.”
President Donald Trump urged people near the area to “be careful and safe” with the shooter reportedly not yet apprehended.
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. #GilroyActiveshooter
— Gilroy Police (@GilroyPD) July 29, 2019
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 J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2019
More to come.
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