CA Garlic Festival Mass Shooting: Gunman Cut Through Fence To Avoid Security
Gilroy, CA (CBS) -- The police chief of Gilroy, California says a gunman cut through a fence to bypass security before opening fire at a popular garlic festival, killing 3 and wounding more than a dozen.
Gilroy Police Chief Scot Smithee says the gunman was armed with a rifle and crossed over a creek to get inside the Gilroy Garlic Festival, avoiding metal detectors and bag checks.
The gunman, who has not been named, appeared to randomly target people both young and old.
He killed three before he was shot and killed by Gilroy police officers.
15 people were injured – less than half of them were hit by bullets.
Chief Smithee says the officers confronted the gunman less than a minute after the shooting began, at 5:41pm local time.
The shooting began during an encore performance of the band Tin Man, who was one of the final acts of the three day festival which attracts around 100,000 people every year.
A manhunt is now on for a possible second suspect, who witnesses told police they saw.
People at the festival say someone appeared to be helping the gunman in a supportive role.
"We believe based on witness statements that there was a second person involved in some way," said Chief Smithee. "We just don't know what way."
Gilroy's mayor Roland Velasco asked for thoughts and prayers as police continued their investigation.
"I want to express my extreme shock and sadness for what has happened today," said the mayor. "I would ask for thoughts and prayers as the officers of the Gilroy Police continue to investigate."
