Black Friday Shooting at Valley Fair Mall, Three Injured, Suspect Still at Large

SAN JOSE / SANTA CLARA, Calif. — A shooting inside California’s busiest holiday-shopping center turned Black Friday into chaos on November 28, 2025, when three people were wounded at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall — and the suspected gunman remains at large.

The incident, reported at approximately 5:40 p.m. local time, transformed what was supposed to be an ordinary evening of shopping into a frantic evacuation, as shoppers ducked for cover and fled while authorities rushed to secure the scene. SFGATE+2San Francisco Chronicle+2

What Happened

According to the San José Police Department (SJPD), the shooting occurred on the second floor of the mall, near the women’s department of the Macy’s store. Three victims — a man, a woman, and a 16-year-old girl — were transported to hospital with gunshot wounds. Their injuries were described as non-life-threatening. ABC7 Los Angeles+2San Francisco Chronicle+2

Eyewitness reports and video from inside the mall describe scenes of panic: shoppers dropping to the floor, hiding behind racks, and scrambling toward exits as emergency announcements and SWAT teams coordinated a building-wide evacuation. San Jose Inside+2Fox News+2

By roughly 6:30 p.m., police announced the mall was being evacuated and that there was no ongoing threat to public safety. SFGATE+1

Suspect & Investigation

As of now, no suspect has been apprehended, and no publicly released description has been offered by authorities. San José police have repeatedly classified the incident as an “isolated shooting,” not an active-shooter rampage. Fox News+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2

Investigators are reviewing extensive surveillance footage, collecting witness statements, and urging anyone with information — or video from inside the mall — to come forward. The public is advised to avoid the area while police continue their investigation. San Francisco Chronicle+2WHMI+2

Fallout: Chaos, Fear & Questions

Mall patrons described the aftermath as “complete chaos.” Some shoppers reportedly broke windows at a bowling-alley section to escape the building; others hid in closets or behind store displays, afraid to move until given the all-clear by officers. San Jose Inside+1

Traffic in the surrounding area surged as frightened shoppers, parents with children, and employees tried to evacuate. Mall management temporarily closed and posted a notice on its website stating the facility would remain closed until further notice. SFGATE+1

Local officials expressed shock and concern. According to law enforcement sources at ABC7, the shooting appears to have followed a confrontation between individuals — not a random attack — yet innocent bystanders, including a teenager, were caught in the crossfire. ABC7 Los Angeles+1

What We Know & What Remains Unclear

✅Confirmed:

• Three people were shot inside Westfield Valley Fair on Black Friday, including a 16-year-old female teen. ABC7 Los Angeles+2Geo News+2
  
• All three victims are hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. SFGATE+1
  
• The shooting is being treated as an isolated incident, not an active-shooter spree. Fox News+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2
  
• The suspect remains at large; no arrests have been made yet. ABC7 Los Angeles+2San Francisco Chronicle+2
  
• The mall was evacuated, closed for the night, and the public was told to avoid the area. SFGATE+1
  

Unclear / Under Investigation:

• The motive behind the shooting remains unknown. Police say it may stem from an altercation but have not confirmed any details. ABC7 Los Angeles+1
  
• Whether more than one person was involved, or whether accomplices assisted the gunman’s escape. San Francisco Chronicle+1
  
• Any concrete description of the suspect — police have not released a physical description or name. CBS News+1
  

Final Thoughts

What began as a routine Black Friday shopping spree ended in terror for many at Westfield Valley Fair Mall. With three people wounded, a suspect still at large, and many questions unanswered, the incident underscores the vulnerability of public spaces — especially crowded malls during holiday rushes.

Authorities urge anyone with video or information from the mall on Friday evening to contact the San José Police Department. As this story develops, we will continue to follow and update with new details.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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