A shooting at a popular World Cup fan zone in San Jose, California, has left one person dead and another with life-threatening injuries, according to police.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred on Sunday at San Pedro Square in the San Francisco Bay Area, where large crowds had gathered for World Cup watch parties. San Jose police confirmed the incident on social media platform X, stating: "One victim was pronounced deceased on scene. The second victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries." The statement added that the incident is being investigated as a homicide and several surrounding streets are closed.
No World Cup matches were being shown at the time of the shooting; the only match of the day had ended around 2 p.m. local time (9 p.m. GMT).
Police Response and Witness Account
Significant police presence was evident after the shooting, with numerous police vehicles and an individual on a stretcher partially covered by a white sheet being rushed from the scene, according to Reuters. The area was cordoned off, and most nearby bars were shut down.
A security guard, who asked not to be named, reported witnessing the injured person in distress. "The person was still moaning and groaning. There was blood around his neck and upper back," she said. "Police were talking to security and a couple of witnesses."
Context and Impact
The Bay Area has hosted five World Cup matches so far, the most recent being a knockout fixture on Wednesday between Bosnia and co-hosts the United States, as reported by the Mirror. The shooting has raised concerns about safety at public viewing events during the tournament.
