At least three individuals were swiftly taken to the hospital following a shooting incident at a shopping center amidst Black Friday sales, causing shoppers to frantically seek shelter.

A manhunt is in progress for the assailant involved in the tragic incident at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in San Jose, California. According to police, multiple individuals are receiving medical attention for gunshot injuries.

The incident occurred at 5:40 pm local time yesterday, injuring a man, a woman, and a 16-year-old girl, as stated by Sergeant Jorge Garibay of the San Jose Police Department.

Authorities have labeled the event as an “isolated incident,” reassuring the public that there is no ongoing threat. Reports suggest that the shooting stemmed from a disagreement between the suspected shooter and the male victim, inadvertently involving the two female victims.

Witness Shawn Kulasingham, 23, recounted hearing a loud noise followed by a chaotic scene of people. He described the situation as a stampede, with the building seemingly trembling. Seeking safety, Kulasingham and his family sought refuge in a nearby secure store, Abercrombie & Fitch, concealing themselves behind racks and cabinets amid the panic.

Store security at Bloomingdales directed around 20 patrons into storage closets, including Bilal Zuberi and his wife, who shared their experience online. Although they did not hear gunshots, there was widespread panic, and an announcement instructed everyone to stay put as the doors were secured.

Receive updates on major stories of the day via email.