Three people were shot at a busy shopping centre on Black Friday. Video footage posted on social media shows shoppers hiding and running for the exits as a gunman opened fire.

The shooting took place at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in West San Jose, California, at around 5.40pm local time (1.40am GMT). Local police have confirmed that three people, two adults and a 16-year-old girl, were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. Fortunately, their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police have urged people to stay away from the area as their investigation continues. However, they added their is “no ongoing threat to public safety.”

Sgt. Jorge Garibay said: “This was not targeted at unsuspecting shoppers. Something occurred between two individuals that prompted the shooting.”

He added that two of the victims were bystanders and “unrelated to the incident”. Meanwhile, the suspected shooter fled before police officers arrived, and no gun was recovered.

As reported by the Daily Mail, a number of videos have been shared online, showing the horror of the shooting. Panicked shoppers huddled in stores and headed for exits as authorities issued a lockdown.

In one TikTok video, a terrified shopper screams, “What the f**k?” while a woman is heard shouting, “Shooting!” Emergency services rushed to the shopping centre and welcomed shoppers as they fled.

One shopper posted on X: “I’ve never seen so many people running. I literally thought it was a dine and dash or shoplifting at first because I couldn’t understand what was happening.”

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan added: “San Jose – this is not the news I wanted to share with you this holiday weekend. My prayers are with these victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable.”

Security advisor Patrick Fiel, the founder of PVF Security Consulting, told the Daily Mail: “Being extra vigilant this holiday season will help keep you safe. Always trust your instincts and report any and all suspicious activity.”

He added: “Law enforcement agencies across the nation have reported an increase in calls during the holiday season, which is partially attributed to shoppers placing greater emphasis on gift selection rather than personal safety.”