GLENDALE, Arizona — Police swarmed a shopping center in Glendale Wednesday afternoon due to a shooting.
Initial witness reports indicated a man with a rifle opening fire outside of the Westgate shopping complex. The scene is at 6751 N Sunset Blvd.
Police said three people were struck by gunfire and the shooter was taken into custody alive.
Democrat Arizona State Senator Martín Quezada said in a tweet he “witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate.”
I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate. There are multiple victims.
— Sen. Martín Quezada (@SenQuezada29) May 21, 2020
The suspect’s mother identified him as 20-year-old Armando Hernandez from Peoria, according to 12 News. Police would not confirm the identity.
Video circulating online purported to show a Snapchat video from the alleged shooter.
The person in the video shows a rifle and says, “Hello, I’m going to be the shooter of Westgate 2020. This is to get back at mean society. So, let’s get this done.”
The clip then cuts to a woman lying on the ground, apparently already suffering from a gunshot wound. The man says, “This society is full of fucking shit. Society is bullshit.”
The victim replies, “I have nothing to do with that!” and “You already got me, dude!”
This footage has not been verified or authenticated by Breaking911.
I have this person on Snapchat here's a video of it pic.twitter.com/BOu6S5Cp5Y
— DEV-YOTE® (@DEVYOTE97) May 21, 2020
Dozens of police units and a helicopter were spotted on scene.
Update! Police have searched our facility for any suspects. We were told to keep hiding until further notice. Hope everyone at Westgate is safe and okay!❤️ pic.twitter.com/IOVp0Rndiv
— Eli (@xRubyDaCherry) May 21, 2020
A motive or what led up to the shooting remains unclear.
Please stay out of the #Westgate area. Preliminary info from our dispatch is there were at least two persons struck by gunfire and one person is in custody. PIO is enroute to the scene. Media staging for now will be West of the Arena.
— Glendale Police (@GlendaleAZPD) May 21, 2020
The Governor has been briefed on the incident.
