A shooting at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, California turned Black Friday into a nightmare on November 29, 2025, when gunfire erupted inside one of the region's busiest shopping destinations, sending hundreds of panicked shoppers scrambling for safety.
The Incident Unfolds
The shooting occurred during peak shopping hours on Black Friday, one of the most crowded retail days of the year.
Three people were injured in what authorities describe as an
isolated shooting incident, with victims rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Among those hurt was a
16-year-old girl, according to reports from the scene.
San Jose police responded with a massive deployment to the mall, concentrating their efforts outside the Macy's entrance and the adjacent parking structure. Officers immediately began evacuating the sprawling shopping center and sweeping the property to ensure there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Chaos and Terror Inside the Mall
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of pure pandemonium as shoppers realized what was happening.
Videos circulating on social media show a stampede of people running past the Abercrombie store, with shoppers screaming and diving for cover. Multiple emergency responders flooded the scene as crowds gathered in confusion and fear.
Shoppers who were dining at California Pizza Kitchen when the shots rang out described the terrifying moment they heard gunfire and watched people flee in every direction. Store employees were instructed to barricade themselves in stockrooms and wait for an all-clear signal from police. Several Macy's workers were later seen embracing each other outside the store, visibly shaken by the experience, with some in tears.
Investigation and Response
Police confirmed that
this was not an active shooter situation and that there is
no longer a threat to the public, though details about arrests remain unclear. Authorities have asked media to maintain distance as the investigation continues.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly violence can disrupt everyday activities, turning what should be a festive shopping day into a traumatic experience for hundreds of people.
Sources
1. 2 shot as chaos erupts inside Valley Fair Mall on Black Friday | KTVU
2. San Jose police investigate shooting at Westfield Valley Fair Mall that sent 3 to hospital
3. Westfield Valley Fair shooting: 3 injured, including 16-year-old girl, in Black Friday shooting at California mall
4. Shopping mall shooting wounds 2, prompts Black Friday evacuation ...
