California prom shooting: One dead, three injured, police open investigation | Today’s news
An 18-year-old was killed and three others were wounded after gunfire rang out in the parking lot of a Northern California high school graduation ceremony Wednesday night, police said, according to multiple reports.
The shooting happened around 7:15 p.m. near Schafer Stadium at Fairfield High School in the town of Fairfield, about 50 miles northwest of San Francisco.
Filming follows graduation
The shooting happened shortly after Sem Yeto High School’s commencement ceremony, according to school officials.
According to authorities, four people suffered gunshot wounds. The 18-year-old victim died at the scene, while three others – aged 11, 20 and 25 – were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Their terms have not been disclosed.
Police have not confirmed whether the dead student was.
Witnesses describe panic
Witnesses said there were scenes of chaos after the ceremony when gunfire rang out.
A man attending the graduation told local television station KCRA that the shooting occurred as people were taking photos in the school parking lot.
Nearby resident Amanda Prieto said she saw people “screaming and running across the parking lot” when the shooting unfolded.
The police are opening an investigation
Fairfield Police Officer Michelle Belyea said at a news conference that officers responded to reports of a shooting at Fairfield High School around 7:15 p.m.
“There are four victims of gunshot wounds,” Belyea said.
She added that investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community, but described the case as an active investigation. Authorities have not released information about the suspect and no arrests have been reported.
The mayor invites the public to share information
In a Facebook post, Alma Hernandez said there was an active manhunt for the shooters after the incident and confirmed that several people were shot during the graduation.
She urged anyone with information to contact the Fairfield Police Department and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims,” Hernandez wrote.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and seek information from witnesses who attended the graduation.