San Jose - One person was killed and a second sustained life-threatening injuries in a shooting on Sunday at San Pedro Square, a well-known entertainment district that has been used as a World Cup "fan zone" screening location, authorities said.
The shooting did not coincide with a live screening of a World Cup match. The only match on the tournament schedule for the day had concluded at about 2 p.m. local time (2100 GMT), according to the account of events.
San Jose police, in a post on social media platform X, said: "One victim was pronounced deceased on scene. The second victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries." The department added that "This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Several surrounding streets are closed in the area."
A journalist at the scene described a heavy law enforcement presence, numerous police vehicles and emergency responders moving a person on a stretcher who was partially covered by a white sheet. The immediate area was cordoned off and most bars in San Pedro Square closed after the shooting.
A security guard who declined to be named because she was not authorised to speak to media said she observed the injured individual in distress. "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."
San Pedro Square is one of several locations across the San Francisco Bay Area that have hosted large, public watch parties showing World Cup matches on big screens. The Bay Area has staged five World Cup matches so far in the tournament, including a recent knockout match on Wednesday between Bosnia and co-hosts the United States.
Scene and response
Responding officers secured the square and adjacent streets while investigators conducted on-scene interviews with security staff and witnesses. Nearby businesses largely ceased operations for the evening, and authorities implemented street closures to support the investigation.
Ongoing investigation
Police described the event as a homicide investigation. Details regarding a possible suspect, motive or weapon have not been disclosed publicly. Officials transported the second victim to a local hospital with injuries described as life-threatening; no further medical updates were provided in the initial statements.
There are several dozen fan zones across the Bay Area that have been used for match viewings. Authorities did not indicate whether any changes will be made to those gatherings pending the outcome of the investigation.