A mass shooting early Sunday morning in Sacramento claimed the lives of six individuals.
Videos on social media capture a large altercation before six people were killed and 12 were injured. Sgt. Zach Eaton, a police spokesperson, said investigators don’t know if the altercation started the shooting.
Buildings were struck by stray bullets and a stolen gun was recovered by investigators at the crime scene. Police are actively searching for multiple suspects.
As the nightlife businesses closed around 2 a.m., witnesses heard at least 70 gunshots throughout downtown Sacramento. Police relentlessly searched for clues from this crime scene. Only one victim, Sergio Harris, 38, has been identified.
Kelsey Schar was lodging on the fourth floor of Citizen Hotel when she detected gunshots outside and saw flashes in the dark. She approached the window and “saw a guy running and just shooting,” Schar states.
Schar’s friend, Madalyn Woodard, said she saw a crowd in the street disperse in the thick of gunfire and a girl who appeared to have been shot in the arm lying on the ground. Security guards from a nearby nightclub rushed over to the girl with what looked like napkins to halt the bleeding.
President Joe Biden issued an official statement Sunday, targeting combatting gun violence.
“Today, America once again mourns for another community devastated by gun violence,” Biden said. “But we must do more than mourn; we must act.”
Many residents of Sacramento gathered at Cesar Chavez Plaza to hold a vigil for those impacted by the shooting.
“Lay down your arms, and open them up to one another,” a leader at the vigil said.
Attendees showed solidarity by holding hands and praying.
