SANTA CLARA, California — A busy Friday evening at Westfield Valley Fair Mall turned into a scene of fear and confusion after gunfire erupted inside the shopping center, prompting a full lockdown and a massive emergency response from multiple agencies across Santa Clara and San Jose.

The shooting occurred shortly after 7 p.m., according to early reports from authorities. What began as a typical night of shopping quickly descended into panic as the sound of gunfire echoed through the mall’s crowded walkways. Shoppers sprinted toward exits, parents grabbed their children, and store employees rushed to activate lockdown procedures, pulling down security gates and sheltering customers inside stockrooms.

Witnesses Describe Terrifying Moments

Several witnesses recounted hearing multiple gunshots before chaos unfolded.

“It sounded like fireworks at first, then everyone started screaming,” said one shopper who was inside a clothing store when the shots rang out. “The employees locked the doors and told us to get down. People were crying and calling their families.”

Social media videos captured scenes of confusion as crowds ran through corridors while police shouted instructions, directing people to evacuate in controlled groups.

Massive Response from Law Enforcement

Within minutes of the first 911 calls, a flood of police units from the Santa Clara Police Department, San Jose Police Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire and EMS teams arrived at the scene. Officers quickly established a perimeter around the mall, shutting down access from Stevens Creek Boulevard and Winchester Boulevard.

Tactical units swept the interior sector by sector, while paramedics set up triage areas outside as they prepared to assist any victims. Sources indicated that multiple people may have been struck by gunfire, but as of late Friday night, officials had yet to confirm the exact number or conditions of the victims.

Mall Placed on Full Lockdown

For hours, Valley Fair Mall remained sealed off as officers moved through stores and hallways. Customers and employees were evacuated in phases once specific areas were cleared. Some shoppers were escorted out with their hands raised as a precaution, a standard procedure during active-shooter sweeps.

Authorities urged the public to avoid the area entirely, citing an active and ongoing investigation.

Investigation Underway

By late evening, large sections of the parking lot were cordoned off with crime-scene tape as detectives examined evidence and reviewed security footage. Investigators interviewed witnesses and store employees while forensic teams collected shell casings and other materials inside the mall.

Because Valley Fair sits on the border between Santa Clara and San Jose, the case is being jointly handled by both cities’ police departments. Officials said more details—including whether a suspect has been detained—will be released once verified.

A Community Shaken

Westfield Valley Fair, one of the Bay Area’s largest and busiest shopping destinations, was especially crowded due to the holiday season. Families, teens, and early gift-shoppers were among those caught in the chaos, leaving many shaken as they awaited news of the victims.

Local leaders are expected to address the public once more information becomes available.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as authorities release new details.