San Jose police launch homicide inquiry after World Cup fan zone shooting
California police have launched a homicide investigation after one person was killed and another seriously injured during a shooting at a World Cup fan zone in San Jose on Sunday night.
The incident occurred in San Pedro Square, a popular entertainment district in the San Francisco Bay Area.
No tournament fixtures were being broadcast at the time of the attack, with the day’s final match having concluded hours earlier.
Homicide investigation launched
Local authorities immediately closed several surrounding streets as they moved to secure the crime scene.
“One victim was pronounced deceased on scene,” a police spokesperson confirmed on social media.
“The second victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.”
A heavy law enforcement presence remains in the area, with most nearby bars shuttering their doors following the gunfire.
Eyewitness accounts of the aftermath
Journalists at the scene reported seeing emergency responders rushing a person on a stretcher from the cordoned-off area.
An unnamed security guard described encountering a severely wounded victim in evident distress.
“The person was still moaning and groaning,” the guard recalled. “There was blood around his neck and upper back.”
Security concerns overshadow tournament
The Bay Area is a key host location for the tournament, having already staged five matches including a recent knockout tie involving the United States.
This latest tragedy heightens existing concerns regarding gun violence during the global football showpiece.
Authorities previously recorded multiple unrelated shootings in Kansas City, the designated group-stage base for the England national team.