A California graduation ceremony ended in horror when gunfire erupted in a high school parking lot, leaving one teenager dead and three other people injured.
The shooting happened Wednesday, June 3, outside Fairfield High School in Fairfield, California, shortly after a graduation ceremony for Sem Yeto High School had ended.
Fairfield police said officers responded to the school parking lot around 7:15 p.m. local time after reports of gunfire.
One victim, identified only as an 18-year-old, was pronounced dead. Three others were taken to the hospital, according to local reports.
Authorities said the wounded victims were 11, 20 and 25 years old. Their conditions were not immediately clear.
The shooting unfolded at the end of what should have been a night of celebration for graduates and their families.
“It’s a very scary incident when something like this does happen, especially during the end of a school event,” Fairfield police Officer Michelle Belyea said during a news conference. “So, obviously, we just want everyone to be safe.”
Police had not announced any arrests, and officials said they did not have suspect information to release immediately after the shooting.
“I don’t have any information related to suspects at this time,” Belyea said.
Despite the lack of an arrest, police said there was no ongoing threat to the community.
Suisun City Mayor Alma Hernandez also addressed the shooting in a Facebook post, writing that an “active shooter chase” was taking place in Fairfield after the graduation ceremony.
“Anyone with any information is advised to contact Fairfield Police Department,” Hernandez wrote. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims.”
Witnesses described terrifying moments as people realized shots had been fired.
One witness, identified as Jacob, told KTVU that he had gone to where graduates were taking photos when the shooting began.
“Out of nowhere, some dude ran up, and when I looked up, he pointed the gun and started shooting,” Jacob said. “I backed up, he ran and I just went around, and my mom was back in the stadium, so I went to make sure she was OK.”
Another witness, Lizette Ramirez, said she was heading to the parking lot when she heard gunfire.
“I don’t know what happened. I’m coming to the parking lot when I hear the shots,” Ramirez said. “I see my niece, my mom, and she say, ‘Run! Run!’”
Sem Yeto High School is a continuation high school that shares a campus with Fairfield High School, according to local reports.
The shooting has left families shaken and turned a night meant to celebrate achievement into a scene of panic, sirens and grief.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Fairfield Police Department at (707) 428-7300.
