(InformingNews.com) – In the early hours of April 3, the city of Sacramento experienced the largest mass shooting in its history. Violence broke out in California’s capital city after crowds had gathered for a concert at the Golden 1 Center featuring Tyler, the Creator. Six people died, and 12 others went to the hospital with injuries.
The Events of the Evening
People were enjoying the night in clubs and bars after the concert event. Around closing time at 2 a.m., as people were exiting the downtown area, gunfire broke out, covering over two square blocks.
People ran for cover. There was mass chaos as three males and three females succumbed to their injuries. Officials released the names of those who died on April 4. Those who lost their lives include Sergio Harris, DeVazia Turner, Joshua Hoye-Lucchesi, Melinda David, Johntaya Alexander, and Yamile Martinez-Andrade. Sergio’s father spoke with the New York Times, telling the outlet his son was at the El Santo Ultralounge at the time of the incident. He leaves behind his wife, Leticia Harris, and three children under the age of 11.
Police Response and Statements
At an April 3 press conference, Chief of Police Kathy Lester, on the job for just two weeks, explained nearby patrol officers first responded after hearing the gunshots. They found dead and wounded victims at the scene.
Lester acknowledged a fight broke out prior to the incident and confirmed there were multiple shooters. Authorities have footage from one city security camera and hundreds of pieces of evidence. She also noted officers recovered a firearm at the scene, and it came back as stolen.
Police took 26-year-old Dandrae Martin into custody early Monday morning. A second suspect, Smiley Martin, was identified early Tuesday morning. He is currently hospitalized with injuries from the incident but will be booked on various firearms charges when he is released from the hospital.
Authorities implore anyone with any additional information to contact Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers or the police department. They also explained that people could submit anonymous tips using the P3 Tips app.
Aftermath
The area around the clubs remains littered with broken glass and bullet casings as authorities continue to comb for evidence. The complex crime scene remains shut down as investigators work.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) issued a statement sending condolences to people impacted by the event. He called gun violence a crisis that we “must resolve to bring an end to this carnage.”
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg stated we must address the “senseless epidemic of gun violence.” He called for more gun control and said easy access to firearms is the problem. He also noted that the city needed to do more to provide early intervention to young people.
President Joe Biden issued a statement on April 3 about the shooting. He said, “we must do more than mourn; we must act,” explaining the implementation of the administration’s gun crime reduction strategy. He called on Congress to ban ghost guns, increase background check requirements, end gun manufacturer liability immunity, and pass his budget, which he said would provide more funds to cities to combat crime.
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