GLENDALE, Ariz. — In a tragic and deeply unsettling incident that unfolded just before 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2025, the city of Glendale was rocked by gunfire during what police are calling a targeted shooting involving multiple assailants. The violence erupted in the parking lot of El Camaron Gigante, a well-known local restaurant situated directly across from the Glendale Police Department headquarters, during a large public event titled “On A Sunday Afternoon (OASA).”
The scene quickly descended into chaos as shots rang out in the crowded lot, leaving stunned witnesses scrambling for cover. Within moments, emergency calls flooded dispatch lines, prompting a massive and immediate police response.
According to official reports from Glendale Police, eight people were struck by gunfire in the incident. Tragically, three individuals — a 17-year-old boy, a 21-year-old man, and a 29-year-old man — were pronounced dead at the scene or shortly afterward. Authorities later confirmed that the 17-year-old and the 29-year-old were brothers, adding a deeper layer of sorrow to an already heart-wrenching situation.
Among the five others injured in the shooting are:
- A 20-year-old woman
- A 20-year-old man
- A 21-year-old woman
- A 23-year-old man
- A 16-year-old boy, who underwent emergency surgery overnight and is currently expected to survive
All of the wounded victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving medical care. Hospital officials have not released further details on the conditions of the surviving victims at this time.
Police officials described the shooting as “targeted,” indicating that this was not a random act of violence but rather a deliberate attack. While investigators have not yet released the names of suspects or any arrests, they confirmed that multiple shooters were involved. A significant number of shell casings and ballistic evidence have been recovered from the scene, and surveillance footage from the area is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued late Saturday night, Glendale Police Chief Kimberly Hall stated:
“This kind of violence is devastating to our community. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time. We are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend those responsible for this senseless act.”
The shooting occurred during On A Sunday Afternoon (OASA) — a large, family-oriented event that drew crowds to El Camaron Gigante for food, music, and community gathering. The restaurant is a popular weekend destination and is often filled with patrons enjoying the festive atmosphere. That such violence unfolded in the shadow of the police headquarters has shocked residents and raised concerns about public safety even in high-profile locations.
In the aftermath, El Camaron Gigante has temporarily closed its doors, and grief counselors have been made available to both employees and community members affected by the trauma. Local officials, including Glendale Mayor Javier Ramos, have expressed their condolences and emphasized the city’s commitment to bringing justice to the victims.
“Our community is heartbroken,” Mayor Ramos said during a press briefing Sunday morning. “We will not allow violence to define us. We will come together in strength and solidarity, and we will support the families whose lives have been forever changed.”
Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has cellphone video or additional information to come forward. The Glendale Police Department has established a dedicated tip line and is offering a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible.
As the investigation continues and the community begins to process the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, vigils and memorials are already being organized across the city. Residents say they are determined to honor the lives lost — especially the two young brothers — and to support those still fighting for recovery.
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