The mass shooting that wounded nine people on 24th Street last night may have been related to an earlier fight that broke out at the end of May, according to Santiago Lerma, a legislative aide for Supervisor Hillary Ronen’s office and candidate for District 9 supervisor.
Those incidents in late May occurred during Memorial Day weekend near the Dying Breed clothing shop at 3045 24th St., the same place where a crowd was gathered on Friday night to celebrate the store’s sixth anniversary when the shooting took place.
San Francisco police recorded two incidents from the corner of 24th Street and Treat Avenue, the site of the shooting, in late May. The first was a battery that took place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, according to the city’s data dashboard. That case is still open and active.
The second was a “suspicious occurrence” that occurred just after midnight at 12:19 a.m. on Sunday, May 29. That case is also open and active.
Both incidents were reported at the corner during Carnaval weekend, but after the official festivities had ended. It is unclear if the incidents were related to the Dying Breed store itself.
On Saturday, Arturo Carrillo, director of the Street Violence Intervention Program who was at the site on Friday night, said that it appears a white car traveling on 25th Street turned north onto Treat and fired at the crowd of young adults. He said all the victims come from Latinx families and have nothing to do with gangs.
Among the more seriously injured, he said, one young man was grazed in the head and shot in the leg. Another was shot in the stomach. All, he said, are expected to survive.
Lerma said that while there were “other incidents” related to “vandalism and graffiti originating from folks that were hanging out at the clothing shop, partying,” Friday night’s shooting was the first violent incident related to the shop that he could recall.
San Francisco police have promised a stepped-up presence in the neighborhood in response to the shooting.
“This kind of violence on our streets is unacceptable,” said Police Chief Bill Scott in a statement. “People should feel safe to go out in San Francisco without fear of being victims of gun violence. Our investigators are working diligently on this case, and we will have a visible police presence moving forward in the community where this occurred.”
All of the victims of the shooting were transported to hospitals nearby and are expected to survive, according to the police. Their wounds range from non-life-threatening to life-threatening, however.
The drive-by shooting targeted an outdoor party at the corner of 24th and Treat Avenue. The Mission-based clothing brand and shop Dying Breed was celebrating its anniversary as part of a series of semi-regular nighttime parties that involve local DJs and food vendors.
Instagram videos of the party show dozens of people inside and outside the store, shared by Dying Breed and Mission Skateboards, listening to music and eating from street-side taco stands.
In a statement posted online, Mission Skateboards said it was “hard to make sense of something so senseless,” and that the shop was “grateful everyone survived.”
“We watched our friends and neighbors selflessly tend to the wounded without question,” the shop wrote. “Our peers were the best and bravest of San Francisco that we could have hoped for, we will forever be honored to have them in our lives.”
Dying Breed posted a similar statement late Saturday, saying it was “disheartening that someone could be so spiteful,” and that the shooting “left its mark on a corner that we call home.”
“We will be here doing everything we can to be there for last night’s victims,” the statement read.
Dying Breed and Mission Skateboards were closed on Saturday morning. TV camera people and reporters loitered outside waiting to interview passers-by, and a police SUV parked a block away.
Lerma added that police confirmed to him what witnesses said last night: The shooting was a drive-by that targeted the crowd gathered outside the shop.
“They did say that the person approached on 25th, fired into the crowd, and then took off south on Treat Avenue,” he said.
The police have reviewed surveillance footage and identified a possible suspect, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The investigative unit of the department has taken over the case.
Businesses nearby uniformly described the two shops as good neighbors.
“I’ve been here for years, and I love them,” said Amy Eisenstat, who has worked at the boutique clothing shop Jenny Lemons next door for almost three years. She said the workers at the skate shop are “fantastic” neighbors who have created a “sense of community” at the intersection.
Plus, she said, “they’re the only people to come out and help” when she has small issues at the shop.
The semi-regular parties on the corner are often boisterous, with DJ booths, drinks, and food, but never violent, said Skeez Nata, a barber at Gents Barber Club two doors down.
“These parties happen all the time, but it’s not violent, people are having a good time and celebrating the moment,” he said. “They’re all chill people.”
There are often lowriders stopping at the corner and parking outside the shops, and sometimes cars take over the intersection, where skid marks are evident, with sideshows, said Luis from the Sol y Luna salon across the street.
But it’s “usually people talking, drinking, hanging out — not even a rager, usually,” added Jess, a barista at Temo’s Coffee a block away.
Lerma said there was currently no plan to hold a community meeting, but that “if folks want to express their opinions, we want to hear that.” He said that if there is any new information or if community members push to meet, “we’ll obviously get folks together.”
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story inadvertently implied a connection between Carnaval and two earlier police incidents that may be connected to Friday night’s shooting. Carnaval was simply meant as a date reference because the incidents happened on the same weekend. We apologize for any confusion this caused.
The Carnaval folks have every reason to be concerned.
Remember what happened to Halloween in the Castro?
Next thing you know – at Carnaval there will be heavy police presence, fences, gates and “security”.
Have you ever even been to Carnaval? There already is.
I think the article was edited over the weekend. The article originally said that a fight at Carnaval caused the mass shooting at Dying Breed. I have never seen a fight break out during Carnaval and it has always been about community, music, and dance. I have always felt safe at Carnaval. I think we oughta take a step back and look at the bigger picture when reporting about mass shootings. This is a topic that is sensitive to the community and needs to be reported very seriously.
Yes, as the editors note explains, there was confusion with someone using Carnaval simply as a reference point – on the date – and not as having anything to do with Carnaval.
Thank you Lydia.
by all the comments, it appears that ML has inadvertently waded into a political campaign by reporting another serious incidence of violence in the mission.
i’m not willing to be an ostrich to their agenda.
wow, some serious reading comprehension issues here, the article isn’t blaming Carnaval, the supervisors aide is pointing to an arguement that happened during Carnaval, the same way that if they pointed to an arguement that happened on Thursday, you wouldn’t be blaming Thursday…..
Right? I can’t believe nobody seemed to understand that. And I’m disappointed in mission local for caving in to all the bs comment and modifying their story. To go so far as to apologize for “inadvertently” implying a connection. So what if there was a connection? That doesn’t disparage carnaval any more than it disparages 24th St. when the article says that the shooting happened “on 24th Street.”
If anything the name and use of “Carnaval” is incidental to the event, and it would have better for Mission Local in some fashion to followup with the aide and the Police department to get more background. It’s not like the Carnaval staff had anything to do with this or the alleged event at the time of Memorial Day Weekend. Context and relevancy for audience matters.
9 people got shot and we have Brand Ambassadors for a local event here to gripe about relevant facts being reported?
Should they cover up the fact that police noted a link to the events?
Los periodistas deben esconder la verdad para proteger el imagen de un evento público? Que?
Have we all gotten so cruel that we don’t care about when people are shot? And only care about our “image?”
@chingatumaga
“Have we all gotten so cruel that we don’t care about when people are short? And only care about our ‘image’?”
Very well said.
I enjoy carnaval, but I also appreciate good reporting. if reporters referenced a shooting on christmas, would people who like christmas be up in arms? crazy backlash, people.
I don’t think the article or anyone is claiming that Carnaval is anything other than a wonderful event. It is simply reporting that an argument or fight may have occurred at some point during the event that came back later. Obviously this a sick individual or individuals who have nothing to do with Carnival.
In name of Carnaval. Like the whole family of Carnaval was part of this in situations or conflict who work outside of Carnaval. There is a great team that works the whole year gives their heart, their time for the event to be of family. There are activities for kids, teens -and adults. Also there’s a lot of organizations that have resources for our community. It is not fair that they put the name of Carnaval in a situation, that Carnaval isn’t even part off. Que Viva Carnaval! Everyone is one, One is everyone
Juan, I think Lerma is saying initial issue may have been AT Carnival not DUE to Carnival. Stuff happens. Hernandez getting defensive because he quarterbacks Carnival and is running against Lerma in upcoming election. Mary and others comment below are just unreasonable and dramatic. Disagreements happen when you put thousands of people together. Carnival is an amazing event and even if connected this situation doesn’t take away from that. The people involved are the problem not Carnival. I think we can all agree on this.
I must live in an alternate reality: the skate shop staff are rude thuggish and inconsiderate of neighbors with loud parties that attract sideshow mayhem. Ask anyone who lives on Treat about last 4th of July. Mission Station Capt gave them a warning last time which obviously went unheeded. Next we’ll have Calle 24 wanting to give these ding dongs a civics award!
I’ll add that many of the skateshop’s patreons who purchase graffiti supplies tag up and destroy the surrounding neighborhood. Its disheartening that many family owned businesses and residents are left to pay for covering up stupid tags otherwise we face fines. I really hope the shop begins to take responsibility for the negative impact that it’s had on the surrounding neighborhood.
There’s a bit of candy-coating going on here. Either that or some serious naivete and/or lack of knowledge. Black C is not a “local DJ,” he’s a goddam legend.
What you think the Blue Bird with a bullet through its head in the promos represents? Bring the kids?
Carnaval has always been a safe, family-friendly, loving community event. To link it with this tragic incident is irresponsible and damaging to the organization. It’s disappointing that a community outlet would lack thorough investigation before blasting a headline as such.
To begin this article with a hearsay quote and a headline pointing fingers at Carnaval, is irresponsible and slanderous. While there is plenty of detail about the non-violent community gatherings the article only offers “may have” and “belief” when it comes to reporting on the cause of violence. Carnaval just celebrated a historical 45 years commemorating its dedication to the Mission Community & the various cultures found within. Before you place CSF in the headline and make it the “catch” of this article be prepared with facts. Otherwise it’s just poor journalism and click bait.
Carnaval is an event for gathering bringing connection & love to our cultural rich community … I had a booth opportunity that I walked around as well and I see no violence, but what I did see was unity & peace and there was opportunity that I walked around as well and I saw no violence, but what I did see lots of volunteers working together to ensure that crowds were kept safe because of the presence of police as well… it is one of best events in the Mission. Let’s continue to see beyond what senseless acts of gun violence acts are happening though out the City Sadly… let’s address how we can help individuals with mental health & other injustices that occur throughout the city!!!
As a San Francisco, Mission District native who continues to live and work in this community, it is disheartening to read how Carnaval SF , small local businesses and artist are portrayed. It is important to uphold our Latinx community with love, respect, unity and dignity. We are a resilient community and this article does not define us. Let’s continue to elevate our voices for our community. Que viva La Misión!
Carnaval has always been a safe, family-oriented, loving community event. To blast a headline linking the organization with this tragic incident seems irresponsible and damaging. Proper investigation should be done first before accusations are made from hear-say. Very disappointing reporting from a community outlet.
Using Carnaval in your headline when the organization is only mentioned in the first 2 paragraphs of your article is misleading and harmful to the work of the organizers and volunteers who put the event together. The title also directly links Carnaval to the events that happened Friday despite the words “may have” and “believes” being used in the 2 paragraphs that supposedly link to Carnaval. The majority of people will only read the headline and automatically link CSF to violence. This deceiving headlining is only going hurt the work that CSF has done for the past 45 years to be a culturally-inclusive family event.
Carnaval San Francisco is the largest and best attended multicultural event on the west coast. There were zero reported issues of violence this year and in scores of other years in its 45 year history. Connecting CSF to any violence, especially weeks after the event , maligns the work of the dedicated staff and volunteers that help put it together each year. Viva Carnaval San Francisco and it’s year round work of serving the Latinx community in the Mission District and beyond!
Doesn’t seem very far fetched given that the same performers as Friday night performed during Carnaval. Quite possible some of the same crowd were at both events.
Mission Skateboards is am amazing community hub. I worked at its previous shared space store Pushbike.
Many years later I continue to visit. Dying Breed is a kind, neighborly place as well. Both stores emulate family, neighborhood and kindness. They will forever be linked with that. Not some drive by dirge.
>Both stores emulate family, neighborhood and kindness.
Large parties with inadequate bathrooms (leading to people regularly pissing on the homes around the corner on Treat), regularly dumping their excess cardboards and trash on the corner of 24th and Treat, inviting food vendors who dump grease in the sewers at the end of the night (which breeds roaches) and don’t provide adequate trash cans so all those paper plates end up on the ground, blocking crosswalks with their cars.
The very first step to throwing a party is that you notify you neighbors and at least provide adequate bathrooms and clean up after yourself. That is like where you start as a decent neighbor.
I get paying rent and realizing a profit has probably been difficult for DIY Mission Skateboards, but allowing in gangsta-chic Dying Breed was a questionable decision for a business that had always been a net positive for the neighborhood kids. Now they have to keep a foot in two different worlds, and with that, you never know where the next shoe drops.
Certain aspects aren’t much talked about, but it’s blatantly obvious if you’re paying attention. In a world with coded language, the battle lines are constantly being drawn. What can ostensibly be seen as supporting a culture and paying homage, can cynically be seen as perpetuating a divide and commodifying a violent history.
Dying Breed doing a print run of the Blue Bird chorus is reckless as fuck.
This article is reporting false information and misleading. The aide stated that this may be related to an earlier fight, not the police. Please practice proper journalism and respectable reporting.
Joe, we note very clearly that the legislative aide is the one saying this, and that it was relayed to him by SFPD.
gotta love the mission… some miscreant drives by, sprays lead randomly into a crowd of 20+ folks minding their own, hits NINE, sending them to the hospital, some with life threatening wounds, and ML and the hood play off a neighborhood mass shooting as “blaise blaise”…. G- damn!!
Everyone who has really lived in the Mision knows there is a dark side to the Life and that is part of the attraction. Hope everyone heals up and has no long-term ill effects.