Harbor Gateway shooting: 5 injured after gunfire erupts at warehouse party

At least one shooting victim in serious condition after illegal party turns violent in Los Angeles

At least five people were reportedly sent to hospital after gunfire erupted outside of a warehouse party in California, just days after the local mayor threatened to shut off power for venues and people hosting gatherings.

One of the shooting victims was in serious condition, though all five were expected to survive their wounds suffered at the illegal party, according to ABC News affiliate, KABC. The shooting took place around 12:30 am local time in Harbor Gateway, Los Angeles.

The victims, three women and two men whose ages ranged from 20 to 39, were reportedly outside of the party in the 22900 block of Lockness Avenue when shots erupted inside the warehouse, police said.

Witnesses described hearing arguing outside of the warehouse before dozens of gunshots broke out in what police believe may have been gang-related activity, according to CBS News affiliate, CBSLA.

In an effort to enforce coronavirus social distancing restrictions and curb the spread of Covid-19 infections across the city, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday he was giving officials permission to shut off water and power for businesses and people still hosting large gatherings.

“Starting on Friday night, if LAPD responds and verifies that a large gathering is occurring at a property, and we see these properties offending time and time again, they will provide notice and initiate the process to request that DWP shut off service within the next 48 hours,” the mayor said last week.

Los Angeles Police Department Captain Jay Mastick confirmed the shooting took place in a brief statement to reporters, saying: “The five victims were transported to local area hospitals here in the Harbor area.

“All five were treated,” he added. “One was in serious condition but is now in stable condition. All the victims are expected to be OK.”

Anywhere from 100 to 200 people were at the party, police said, despite the city having implemented restrictions against large gatherings. Reports have said illegal partying in rental properties across Los Angeles were fuelling coronavirus infections among young residents.

The warehouse was rented for either a photo shoot or bachelor party, an owner of the facility told CBSLA. Other details surrounding the shooting remained unclear as of early Tuesday morning. Police have not yet identified any suspects in the shooting.

The LAPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment.