The suspect involved in the Valley Fair shooting last Friday, which left three people injured, is now facing charges of attempted murder. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's office announced Wednesday that it is pushing for the 17-year-old suspect to be tried as an adult, as reported by NBC Bay Area. The charges also include assault with a deadly weapon and other related counts.
In addition to attempted murder, the juvenile is accused of gun and gang allegations, after allegedly opening fire at a perceived rival gang member at San Jose’s Westfield Valley Fair Mall; incidentally, the intended target and two innocent female victims were struck during the Black Friday chaos, as detailed by social media posts from reporter Henry K. Lee.
UPDATE: Juvenile charged w/att. murder, ADW & gun, gang allegations for opening fire at perceived gang rival at Valley Fair Mall @westfieldvf on Black Friday, hitting intended target & 2 innocent female victims. DA Jeff Rosen asking judge to transfer case to adult @SCSCourt pic.twitter.com/NH8CRHq9TZ
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) December 3, 2025
The shooting took place during peak shopping hours and sparked terror amongst shoppers. According to the Hoodline article, the San José Police Department responded promptly to the incident, which occurred at around 5:40 PM, ensuring the public that it was not an active shooter situation, which then led to concerted efforts to clear and secure the mall and surrounding area.
The three victims—an adult male, an adult female, and a 16-year-old female—were promptly taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, the rapid response by the police and other agencies was commended by city leaders and reflected a well-coordinated inter-agency effort, Chief Paul Joseph of the San José Police Department described the violence in a crowded mall as "deeply concerning," as quoted by Hoodline, while San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan added that he is "praying for the three gunshot victims and for the thousands of people for whom a holiday shop became a survival mission."
If convicted in adult court, the suspect may face a much longer sentence compared to the juvenile system.
