The Gilroy Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) held a joint press conference on July 29 as the investigation into the Garlic Festival shooting continues. It was the third press conference in 24 hours since the incident.
The shooting started at 5:41 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, the final day of the annual three-day food festival in Gilroy. There were four fatalities, including 19-year-old shooter Santino William Legan, and 15 people injured. Police said there is no motive known at this time.
Gilroy Police Chief Scot Smithee announced that law enforcement located the shooter’s vehicle that was used to drive out near the festival.
“We have obtained a search warrant for that vehicle,” Smithee said, adding that it was in the process of being served. Law enforcement also served a search warrant earlier today at a residence in Gilroy off Churchill Place in relation to the shooting.
During a question and answer portion at the July 29 press conference, Robert Topper, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, said the shooter used a variant of an AK-47 rifle.
FBI Deputy Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair spoke at the press conference and said it would take several days to go over the crime scene, which spans “many acres.”
The cooperating law enforcement agencies are seeking public assistance. Fair said the FBI launched a website for anyone with photos and videos of the incident, asking that they send media files to: fbi.gov/gilroy.
Fair also said the FBI is working with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office to provide victim assistance, as well as to collect and return personal effects left at the festival not considered to be evidence.
According to comments from Chief Smithee at the initial press conference on July 28 after the shooting, the shooter used a tool to cut through a fence to gain access to the festival, which takes place annually at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy. Based on witness statements, Smithee said the department believes there is a second person involved, but he not sure what role they played.
Smithee addressed a potential second suspect again at the afternoon press conference on July 29 during a question and answer portion. He said law enforcement is no closer to determining if there was a second suspect or about their potential involvement.
A vigil for the victims of the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting will take place on July 29 at 6 p.m. in Gilroy, at the plaza on Sixth Street between city hall and the library.
Edited to add shooter’s name and correct location of search warrant served at residence.
