3 dead, 15 injured in shooting at California garlic festival

Emergency personnel are seen helping an injured person out of the park. Officials said at least 15 people total were injured

Emergency personnel are seen helping an injured person out of the park. Officials said at least 15 people total were injured

A gunman who opened fire on the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California, killing three people and injuring at least 15 others, has been shot dead. 

Gunfire erupted at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy, outside Santa Cruz, at 5.41pm Sunday as the annual festival was finishing up its third and final day.

Gilroy Police Chief Scott Smithee spoke at a press conference shortly after 10.15pm local time and confirmed that one suspect was shot dead by police within seconds of when he began firing a rifle into the crowd of festival-goers.

Smithee said officials are still searching for a second suspect involved. He said that person's role in the shooting is unclear. 

The two suspects are believed to have entered the festival via a creek on the north side, where they used a tool to cut through a fence in order to avoid strict security at official entrances.

The police chief confirmed that there were four known fatalities - the three victims and the shooter - and 15 confirmed injuries. Earlier reports indicated that as many as 60 people were injured in the mayhem.

A spokeswoman for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center said at least five gunshot victims have been taken to the hospital. Their conditions were unknown.

A spokeswoman for Stanford Medical Center said two patients were being treated there as well.

At the press conference, Gilroy Mayor Roland Velasco said 'the situation is still fluid, active'.

'I want to express my extreme shock and sadness over what has happened today. I would ask for the thoughts and prayers of the community. We plan on being out here all night,' Velasco said.

President Donald Trump tweeted: 'Law Enforcement is at the scene of shootings in Gilroy, California. Reports are that shooter has not yet been apprehended. Be careful and safe!'

California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted: 'This is nothing short of horrific. Tonight, CA stands with the Gilroy community.

'My office is monitoring the situation closely. Grateful for the law enforcement's efforts and their continued work as this situation develops.'

Celebrity chef Tom Colicchio, a headliner at the festival, also tweeted: 'I was in Gilroy at the Garlic Festival yesterday. Really great community. Prayers go out to all'.

Teresa Giudice who was also an attendee at the festival yesterday tweeted: 'I am so sad hearing about the shooting tonight at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, I was there yesterday and just got back to New Jersey.

'I am praying for everyone there.'

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