On the evening of Wednesday, July 14th, a mass shooting occurred in San Francisco’s Mission District, leaving nine people injured but thankfully no fatalities. The incident took place around 6:20 PM near the intersection of 24th and Folsom streets, a bustling area known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse community.
According to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the shooting was carried out by multiple suspects who fled the scene before officers arrived. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation, but SFPD Chief Bill Scott stated that it appears to be gang-related.
The victims, all of whom are expected to survive, were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Among them were seven men and two women, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years old. Some were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, while others were targeted by the shooters.
The incident has left the community shaken and concerned for their safety. San Francisco Mayor London Breed released a statement condemning the violence and calling for an end to gun violence in the city.
“We cannot allow this senseless violence to continue in our city,” said Breed. “We must work together to address the root causes of gun violence and provide support to those impacted by these tragic events.”
The shooting comes amid a surge in gun violence across the United States, with mass shootings becoming all too common. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 339 mass shootings in the US so far this year, defined as incidents in which four or more people are shot.
San Francisco has not been immune to this trend, with a spate of shootings occurring in recent months. In June, a shooting at a downtown transit station left two people dead and several others injured. In May, a shooting at a high school graduation party in the city’s Bayview neighborhood left three people dead and five others injured.
The SFPD has increased patrols in the Mission District in response to the shooting, and is urging anyone with information to come forward. They have also asked residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of yet another senseless act of violence. The hope is that this incident will serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers and community leaders to take action to address the root causes of gun violence and prevent future tragedies.
