One person was killed and six others were wounded Saturday night when shots rang out at a large rural California party, triggering panic as hundreds of people fled the area, authorities said.
The shooting happened shortly after 10 p.m. local time in Morgan Hill, a community about 25 miles south of San Jose, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said.
Investigators said the event was an unauthorized gathering advertised on social media and attended by more than 300 people.
FILE – Gunfire broke out in Morgan Hill, California, roughly 25 miles south of San Jose, on July 25, 2026, drawing a response from San Jose police. (KTVU)
Deputies were first called to the area after reports of intoxicated people standing in the road and someone throwing bottles at passing vehicles. When they arrived, the sheriff’s office said, they found the party descending into chaos after the shooting.
Deputies at the scene began providing lifesaving aid until paramedics arrived, but one victim was pronounced dead there, officials said.
Several other victims with gunshot injuries were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to authorities.
FILE – Anderson Lake is pictured in unincorporated Morgan Hill, California, on Aug. 8, 2022. Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at an unauthorized Morgan Hill party that attracted more than 300 attendees. (Li Jianguo/Xinhua)
Preliminary information indicates the suspect used a handgun, though no suspects have been publicly identified.
Homicide detectives said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident and noted the investigation is expected to be “lengthy and complex.”
“This tragic and senseless violence is entirely unacceptable,” Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert Jonsen said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, those recovering from their injuries and everyone in our community affected by this traumatic event.”
“We will work tirelessly until those responsible for this horrific act are identified, apprehended, and held fully accountable,” Jonsen added.
FILE – Multiple law enforcement agencies responded after a shooting erupted in Morgan Hill, California, on July 25, 2026, leaving one person dead and six others injured. (DAVID PASHAEE/Middle East Images/AFP)
Officials said multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Morgan Hill Police Department, Gilroy Police Department, California Highway Patrol and San Jose Police Department.
INC News reached out to the Morgan Hill Police Department, Gilroy Police Department, California Highway Patrol and San Jose Police Department for more information.
