Gavin Newsom the governor of California expressed his sympathies saying: “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.”
A special emergency hotline has been opened for anyone that may have any information about the shocking incident.
They said: “Witness line and family reunification line: 408-846-0583. If you saw something today please call that number immediately.
“Please keep the main GPD line for emergencies only.”
Videos were posted online of festival-goers running away in fear hiding behind anything they could find such a tents, while other eyewitnesses say they saw people climbing over fences to getaway.
According to police reports the shooters gained access to the festival by cutting through he fence perimeter.
In a tweet, the force said: “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.”
At a news conference yesterday, Brian Bowe, the festival’s executive director. , said: “We couldn’t feel worse. It’s just a horrible thing to experience.”
Among those killed was Stephen Romero, six. Speaking to NBC, his father Alberto Romero said: “I don’t know what to say. He had his whole life in front of him. He was only six.”
The shooting took place on the final day of the festival, just 30 miles south of San Jose, sending people into a frenzy, screaming as they tried to escape the carnage.
Fortunately, police were already on site when the shooting started and were able to respond within a minute.
Gilroy Police captain Scot Smithee, confirmed that more than a dozen people had also been injured in the attack, which took place at 5.40pm yesterday evening.
He said: “We have at least 15 people injured. Four fatalities, including the suspect.”
Lets hope this violence will stop…
