California mall shooting marked a frightening start to the holiday season

Black Friday marks the official start of the holiday season as shoppers flock to the mall to buy gifts for their loved ones and perhaps even treat themselves to something special. However, horror erupted at a mall in San Jose, California, on Black Friday.

The San Jose Police Department said a shooting at a mall began around 5:40 p.m. outside of a Macy’s Store in Westfield Mall in what was described as an isolated incident. The suspect fired a total of six shots, striking a man in the chest, who the suspect perceived to be a rival gang member, and a 16-year-old girl and a woman who were caught in the crossfire. All three were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and have survived.

Nearby shoppers fled the scene in fear, with some taking cover in stores, which were eventually locked down until the mall was evacuated by police an hour later, or fled the mall and received refuge in the homes of nearby residents.

One of the good Samaritans, Martin and Irene Garcia, provided refuge to approximately 50 people in their small home before it was safe for them to retrieve their car from the mall parking lot and reunite with those they had been separated from while fleeing. “Come inside, come inside. If you need to come in my house, go in my house,” Martin was seen saying in his doorbell camera video as dozens of shoppers entered his home.

As shoppers took refuge in the couple’s home for up to six hours, providing a safe space wasn’t the couple’s only act of kindness. They also ordered pizza for the shoppers taking refuge in their home.

On Sunday, November 30^th, 2025, police arrested a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age. The suspect was already on probation for previous gun charges after being arrested in February 2025 for carrying and concealing a loaded firearm and is charged with three counts of attempted murder.

On Wednesday, December 3^rd, 2025, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced that they are seeking to try the suspect as an adult in a news conference outside of the county Juvenile Hall. The motive for the shooting allegedly stemmed from a gang rivalry. If the suspect is tried and convicted in juvenile court, he will face three to five years in Juvenile Hall. If convicted as an adult, he could face a minimum of 15 years in prison before being considered eligible for parole.

Three adults are also facing accessory charges for aiding the suspect after he fled. One of the adults is a 21-year-old woman who was at the scene of the shooting, and her 20-year-old boyfriend, who is also facing charges, is the suspect’s brother.

Although shootings are tragic no matter the time of the year they occur, it’s upsetting when they happen when Christmas is around the corner. The holiday season is supposed to be a time filled with joy and good spirits. Thankfully, all three of the victims will be okay and will be able to spend the holiday season with their loved ones.