What was supposed to be a joyful Cinco de Mayo celebration at a local Arizona restaurant quickly spiraled into terror on Sunday night when gunfire erupted, leaving several people injured and an entire community shaken.
Families had gathered at El Camarón Gigante in Glendale for a festive, family-friendly event.
But just before 8 p.m., a barrage of gunshots shattered the atmosphere, turning celebration into panic within seconds.
Gunfire Erupts During Celebration
Eyewitnesses say the violence broke out around 7:45 p.m., right near the busy intersection of Glendale and Grand avenues.
A crowd had gathered for food, music, and dancing when the sound of gunfire suddenly tore through the restaurant.
One witness described hearing at least 20 shots, lasting 15 to 20 seconds, followed by another round of about 10 more shots just half a minute later.
The rapid eruption left guests scrambling for cover, and many ran into nearby businesses to hide or called loved ones in tears.
Police Rush to the Scene
Glendale police received a flood of 911 calls almost immediately.
According to Public Information Officer Moroni Mendez, officers rushed to the scene to find a chaotic and heartbreaking situation.
“There are multiple victims,” Mendez confirmed during a press conference held just after 9 p.m.
“We’re still working to confirm the total number and the circumstances around what happened.”
Initial estimates suggest up to nine people may have been shot, though investigators are still working to nail down the final count.
Heartbreaking Scenes Unfold
Lupe Rodriguez, a bystander who witnessed the violence firsthand, described a devastating moment she’ll never forget. “I heard people yelling out names.
There was a man on the ground and it didn’t look like he made it,” she told local reporters.
“His father was yelling his name. It was pretty bad.”
While officers and emergency crews did their best to secure the scene and help the injured, the emotional toll on those present was impossible to ignore.
Suspects Detained but No Arrests Confirmed
Although several individuals have been taken into custody, police have yet to confirm if they’ve identified the shooter or shooters.
What’s clear for now is that no police officers fired any weapons, and the shooting doesn’t appear to have involved the restaurant’s security team.
Mendez made it clear this investigation is only just beginning.
“This is a very active situation,” he emphasized.
“We expect to have more clarity after tonight’s briefing with investigators.”
Crime Scene Locked Down Overnight
As night fell, police taped off the area and began a meticulous investigation.
Detectives, forensic teams, and tactical units remained at the scene well into the early hours of Monday morning, gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and conducting interviews.
Officials are urging anyone who was at the event or has video from the area to contact Glendale Police.
Their hope is that with the help of witnesses, they can piece together what led to the terrifying moment of violence during a community celebration.