SAN JOSE, California (AP) — On one of the busiest shopping days of the year, police in California executed an evacuation of a shopping mall following a shooting incident that resulted in two individuals suffering gunshot wounds. The event took place at Valley Fair Mall, located in Santa Clara, a city adjacent to San Jose.

The San Jose Police Department promptly took to the social media platform X to reassure the public that the shooting was an isolated incident. Officers carried out a thorough evacuation and security sweep of the Valley Fair Mall to ensure that there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

The injured parties were swiftly transported to a hospital for medical attention, according to police reports. Although the specific condition of the victims has not been disclosed, their immediate transfer to a medical facility underscores the serious nature of the incident.

San Jose and Santa Clara are neighboring cities situated approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of San Francisco. The location of the incident on Black Friday—which is traditionally recognized as the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season in the United States—amplifies the severity and impact of the situation. Black Friday is known for being the largest shopping day of the year, drawing massive crowds to retail locations across the country.

The mall was evacuated and cleared efficiently, allowing law enforcement to assure the public that there was no further risk. Such proactive measures are crucial during high-traffic periods like Black Friday, where large numbers of shoppers gather, increasing concerns about public safety in light of recent violent incidents in various locations across the nation.

Law enforcement emphasized the importance of community vigilance and encouraged shoppers to report any suspicious activity during this busy retail season. In response to this incident, the San Jose Police Department has reinforced its presence in shopping areas to enhance safety and ensure a secure environment for holiday shoppers.

The police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, with authorities likely to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses in an effort to establish a comprehensive narrative of events. As the holiday shopping season unfolds, the focus on safety and security remains paramount, both for consumers and law enforcement agencies in the area.