Shoppers at West San Jose’s Westfield Valley Fair Mall found themselves in a state of panic when a gunman opened fire on Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Disturbing images and videos circulated, showing chaos as shoppers sought refuge around 5:40 p.m. local time. The bustling mall quickly turned into a scene of distress as people scrambled for safety.
Hundreds of eager customers, initially out for holiday deals, found themselves racing to the nearest exits or ducking behind clothing racks and mannequins, as fear gripped the mall.
Additional footage captured the scene outside, showing crowds spilling onto sidewalks and navigating past a storefront littered with shattered glass, evidence of the turmoil inside.
Authorities reported that three individuals—a 16-year-old girl and two adults—suffered gunshot wounds. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening, and they were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Inside the mall, witnesses took to social media to share their frightening experiences, many recounting how they anxiously huddled in stores during the lockdown initiated by law enforcement.
After cramming into shops for safety amid the gunfire, panicked shoppers rapidly evacuated the premises.
People were seen fleeing the mall for safety – flooding the sidewalks as they quickly moved away from the shopping center.
Two officers were seen patrolling the mall with guns drawn
‘What the f**k?’ one fearful shopper screamed as he and a slew of others sprinted out of the doomed shopping center, according to a heart-pounding TikTok video. ‘Shooting!’ a woman is heard shouting.
The hoards of people exiting the building were greeted by emergency vehicles and first responders swarming the area.
One mall patron, who never expected their leisurely shopping trip to take a dangerous turn, wrote on X: ‘I’ve never seen so many people running.
‘I literally thought it was a dine and dash or shoplifting at first because I couldn’t understand what was happening.’
An image depicting the aftermath of the shooting shows a storefront’s window shattered by a bullet.
A man claiming to be inside when bullets rang recalled hearing at least 15 shots fired.
Officers are continuing to clear out the mall and said there is ‘no ongoing threat to public safety.’
While the situation is no longer active, authorities have urged locals to stay away from the area as the investigation continues.
A bullet shattered the window of one of the stores inside of the mall
Chaos erupted at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in West San Jose, California, on Friday, police announced just after 6 pm local time
‘San Jose – this is not the news I wanted to share with you this holiday weekend,’ San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said of the shooting just one day after Thanksgiving.
‘My prayers are with these victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD) for more information.
Security advisor Patrick Fiel, the founder of PVF Security Consulting, told the Daily Mail that people should be especially cautious while holiday shopping.
‘Being extra vigilant this holiday season will help keep you safe. Always trust your instincts and report any and all suspicious activity,’ he warned.
‘Law enforcement agencies across the nation have reported an increase in calls during the holiday season, which is partially attributed to shoppers placing greater emphasis on gift selection rather than personal safety.’
The Westfield Valley Mall, commonly known as Valley Fair Mall, opened its doors in 1986.
It has more than 200 stores and nearly 70 dining options. It is also home to an escape room and a bowling alley, making it a popular location for families.
