An Arizona state senator said he was at the scene of a shooting that left three people wounded, with one in critical condition.
Democratic Sen. Martin Quezada tweeted after the Wednesday evening shooting in Glendale that he had seen the gunman. The gunfire broke out at about 7:25 p.m. at the Westgate Entertainment District, a complex of restaurants and stores that recently reopened after businesses were closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate. There are multiple victims,” Quezada tweeted. “I saw 2 victims with my own eyes. Not sure how many others. I saw the shooter. Being told not to say anything else about details ’til I speak to police. I’m ok. Lots of shaken up people.”
I saw 2 victims with my own eyes. Not sure how many others I saw the shooter. Being told not to say anything else about details ’til I speak to police. I’m ok. Lots of shaken up people.
— Sen. Martín Quezada (@SenQuezada29) May 21, 2020
“I saw him through my window after the shots were fired,” Quezada later told 12News. “He was walking calmly while reloading his weapon.”
Glendale Officer Tiffany Ngalula, a spokeswoman for the department, said at a press conference that three people had been injured in the violence. She said one was in critical condition, while the other two had non-life-threatening injuries. She said officers located the gunman after the shooting had ended.
“Our officers challenged that suspect and were able to safely take that person into custody,” Ngalula said. Although not yet confirmed by police, the alleged suspect’s mother told 12News that the shooter is 20-year-old Armando Hernandez.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey reacted to the shooting in a statement.
“First and foremost, our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families impacted tonight, as well as the first responders and police officers who are on the scene,” he said. “As we learn additional details, the state is here to continue to offer its full support to the victims and to the community.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to Quezada for comment.
