In response to the shooting rampage in La Jolla, Alliance San Diego issued the following statement:

“Alliance San Diego is alarmed by the shooting rampage last night that resulted in six injured community members and one fatality. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. This is an incredibly sad day for San Diego.

We are concerned that even before an investigation has concluded, and despite evidence that the killer appeared to target Black and Latino residents and let others leave, San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman has come to her own conclusions. In a press conference this morning, she stated that the killer shot “indiscriminately.” She further stated that there is “zero information to indicate that race played a factor” and “the victims were targeted for no other reason but their mere presence.” Chief Zimmerman made these statements less than 24 hours after the incident and while the investigation remains pending.

Communities of color need to know that law enforcement agencies are here to serve and protect ALL people. We call on Chief Zimmerman to conduct a thorough and complete investigation into the incident, including the possibility that the killer acted with racial animus.

Alliance San Diego rejects hate in all forms, and we call on community and political leaders of all backgrounds to work together to create a San Diego where all people can live in an environment of peace, harmony and justice.”