GLENDALE, Ariz. — A festive Cinco de Mayo gathering at a Glendale, Arizona, seafood restaurant turned deadly Sunday night after multiple gunmen opened fire, leaving at least three people dead and five others injured, according to local authorities.
Glendale Police Department spokesperson Moroni Mendez confirmed the casualties during a late-night press briefing, describing a chaotic and “enormous” crime scene still under investigation into the early hours of Monday. Officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time at El Camarón Gigante, a family-friendly restaurant near 57th Drive and Lamar Road.
The restaurant was reportedly hosting a Cinco de Mayo party when violence erupted.
“There are three deceased individuals from this incident,” Mendez stated. “And a total of five additional victims have sustained injuries — either from gunfire or shrapnel.”
Although more than one shooter was involved, Mendez said it remains unclear whether the violence stemmed from an altercation between rival groups or another motive. “Whether they know each other, whether they’re related, whether they’re allies or opponents — we don’t know yet, and that’s what we’re trying to solve and figure out,” he said.
There were no immediate arrests, but Mendez said several individuals had been detained as investigators worked to determine their roles. “Quite a few people were detained,” he noted. “We’re trying to figure out who’s a victim, who’s a witness, and who might be a suspect.”
Police confirmed no officers discharged their weapons during the incident.
An unnamed witness told NBC affiliate KPNX in Phoenix that they had just exited the restaurant when the shooting began. They reported hearing more than 20 shots in rapid succession over a 15 to 20 second span, followed by a brief pause and then another burst of approximately 10 rounds.
The witness said they returned to the scene to help, applying pressure to a woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They also reported seeing paramedics administering chest compressions to three people while another conscious victim was transported by stretcher.
Dozens of people, including children, were reportedly in attendance at the time of the shooting, enjoying a Cinco de Mayo celebration advertised as family-friendly.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased or injured as they continue notifying next of kin. Glendale police said they planned to work through the night to process the crime scene, which Mendez described as expansive and complex.
“This is an enormous scene,” Mendez told reporters. “It’s going to take us well into the daytime hours to fully work through it.”
The Mexican Consulate in Phoenix acknowledged the tragedy in a statement on Facebook, offering assistance to any Mexican nationals affected by the shooting.
Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, though the investigation remains active and no clear motive has been established.
