LANCASTER, Calif. — Two people were killed and five others injured during a gang-related shooting in Southern California’s high desert, authorities said.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene in the city of Lancaster, about 42 miles (68 kilometers) north of downtown Los Angeles, shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday for a reported gunshot victim.
Deputies found two men with gunshot wounds, both of whom later died at the hospital, the sheriff’s department said in a news release Thursday.
Authorities later discovered that the five other victims had been taken to the emergency room for gunshot wounds. They were in stable condition Thursday.
All of the victims had been at the same location during the violence, the agency said.
The sheriff’s department did not provide additional details about why investigators believe the shooting was gang-related. No arrests have been made and the victims’ identities have not been released.
Authorities in California have reported that two individuals were killed and five others injured in a gang-related shooting in the California desert. The incident occurred in a remote area near the town of Joshua Tree, where a group of individuals were gathered for a social event.
According to officials, the shooting took place late Saturday night when a group of suspected gang members opened fire on the crowd. The two individuals who were killed have been identified as local residents, while the five injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Local law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the shooting and are working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved. The motive behind the shooting is still unclear, but authorities believe it may be related to ongoing gang violence in the area.
Residents in the community have expressed shock and concern over the incident, with many calling for increased police presence and efforts to combat gang activity in the area. The shooting serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by gang violence and the need for communities to come together to address these issues.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist in the investigation. In the meantime, residents are being advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to ensure the safety and security of residents in the California desert. The tragic shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of gang violence on communities and the need for continued efforts to combat this pervasive issue.
