Authorities in San Jose, California are investigating a deadly shooting that took place Sunday at a popular entertainment area that has been serving as a World Cup fan zone during the international soccer tournament.
San Jose police confirmed that one person was killed at the scene and a second victim was rushed to a nearby hospital with injuries described as life-threatening. The shooting took place at San Pedro Square, a gathering spot that has drawn large crowds to watch World Cup matches on big screens.
“One victim was pronounced deceased on scene. The second victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries,” police wrote in a post on social media platform X.
Officers noted the shooting is being handled as a homicide investigation. “This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Several surrounding streets are closed in the area,” police added.
Notably, no World Cup games were being screened at the time of the violence. The only match scheduled for that day had ended around 2 p.m. local time.
The San Francisco Bay Area has been a hub for World Cup activity, hosting five matches so far. The most recent game was a knockout round matchup on Wednesday between Bosnia and co-host nation the United States. Dozens of fan zones are spread throughout the region.
A Reuters journalist at the scene reported a heavy law enforcement presence, with multiple police vehicles and a person on a stretcher — partially covered by a white sheet — being quickly moved away from the area by uniformed personnel. Most nearby bars were shuttered and the scene was cordoned off following the incident.
A security guard who witnessed the aftermath, speaking anonymously because she was not authorized to talk to the media, described what she saw. “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.”
